04-09-2021, 12:57 AM
MAVS SPANK BUCKS IN REDEMPTION GAME BACK AT AAC
The Mavericks blew out the Giannis-less Mavs, fumigating the stench lingering after their listless loss in Houston.
GAME STORY
Willie, Redick, and Terry continued their absences. Giannis and Tucker were out for Milwaukee. With Maxi returning to the court, the “standard” starting lineup opened the action for the Mavs.
After a lackluster display of spirit in Houston, your Dallas Maveickss came out with energy and focus against the Bucks, at least after the first few minutes. The teams swapped a few runs in the first quarter, but the game was within two possessions for the entire frame. An 11-0 run late by the Bucks helped the visitors to a 31-29 lead against Dallas after one. The second quarter featured more of the same, with the score difference never extending beyond 6 points. Dallas made a 1-point inroad into their deficit, and the teams went into the locker room with the Mavs trailing 55-56.
Toward the end of the third, the Mavs built an 8-point lead, which soon evaporated. With the game tied, Luka was called for his 12th technical foul of the season for berating the ref after a non-call. The Bucks closed the period on a 12-0 run inside of two minutes, fueled by 4 Dallas turnovers in that stretch, and the Mavs were down 80-84 after three.
The Mavericks erased their deficit in the fourth, and built a lead on a slow and steady basis, reaching a double-digit advantage with three minutes left. The home team systematically destroyed the Bucks, putting up a 36-17 quarter, headlined by 11 points from KP and a gritty defensive performance.
STATISTICS
This game was won at the three-point line. Although both parties shot similar percentages, the Mavericks’ shot distribution resulted in 12 more 3PTAs by Dallas than by their opponent. Point differentials were even on points from twos and made free throws, and +15 on points from threes.
PLAYERS
DONCIC. Luka led all scorers with 27 points, on 11-20 shooting, 3-8 from three. He narrowly missed a triple-double, recording 9 rebounds and 9 dimes. He exhibited great energy and a sense of urgency, and made great decisions in the fourth. A reporter asked Rick after the game whether Luka’s 12 technical fouls are an issue, since he will receive a one-game suspension if he gets to 16. Carlisle says he is not worried about it because Luka understands the issue and is smart. If he does get a 16th T, Rick thinks he will commit it before a game when he is scheduled to rest in any case. Hmm.
DFS. Doe-Doe recorded a season-high 10 rebounds, and also boasted 9 points, 3 assists and 3 blocks. One of those blocks was a spectacular defensive play that was initially deemed a foul, but was reversed when Carlisle challenged the call. Dorian was awarded the Defensive Player of the Game belt for his work on Khris Middleton, normally the Bucks’ second-leading scorer, who was held to 6-27 shooting.
KLEBER. Maxi made a most welcome return to action. In addition to his sorely-missed defense, he chipped in 12 points, including 4-7 3PTAs. He put an exclamation point on the victory with a banked-in shot from the logo as the Mavericks’ last made shot.
RICHARDSON. Josh rebounded from his stinker in Houston, with a 14-5-4 line and a couple of steals. He still went 0-6 from three, and was only 6-16 from the floor, but he received praise from the coach for his defensive efforts on Jrue Holiday, who was limited to 13 points and 5 assists.
PORZINGIS. The Mavericks were making a concerted effort to keep KP involved offensively, and it paid off in a huge way. The big man had 26 points, 17 boards, and 2 blocks in a sparkling night. Whatever differences might or might not exist between Luka and Kris were not in evidence, as Doncic repeatedly fed Kristaps. There was a notable play early in the fourth, when KP’s defender left him to help on Luka, resulting in Luka’s passing to KP, who hit a beautiful three. The pair high-fived after the score. Zinger was obviously discontented with his role in Houston, but was all smiles after this contest. Coach commended him for a great all-around game on the second night of a B2B.
RESERVES. Timmy had 12 points off the bench, albeit on 4-11 attempts. Powell had 8 points and 4 boards in 15 minutes as the third big. Melli played only 7 minutes, but added 6 points with back-to-back threes in the second. It was a rare off night from Brunson, who was 1-8 from the field, and scored only 2 points in 22 minutes. Dallas won the battle of the benches 28-16.
BUCKS. Bobby Portis proved a tough Buck to contain, and he put up 20 points and 14 boards. All five starters were in double figures, but their team fell apart in the final frame, when no Buck had more than 5 points, and five players recorded goose eggs.
OBSERVATIONS
Rick described the match as “emotional” and “combative.” His proudest moments occurred after the Bucks made their big run at the end of the third. He thought the situation had potential to go south in a hurry, but his men maintained their composure and executed beautifully to get back in the race. The squad made some big shots in the fourth, hitting 7 of 11 from deep, and KP completing all three of his attempts from range.
The Mavs caught a huge break with Giannis being out, but I still think this victory is meaningful. Even without the Greek Freak, the Bucks are a very talented and well-coached squad, and it is a good sign that the Mavericks were able to defeat them so decisively, particularly with superior late-game execution. Hopefully, the Rockets loss can be chalked up as an aberrational cautionary tale warning our boys to keep their level of play sharp, whoever the opponent might be.
Very encouraging performance! The Mavs get a rare two-game hiatus, and will face the Spurs on Saturday.
The Mavericks blew out the Giannis-less Mavs, fumigating the stench lingering after their listless loss in Houston.
GAME STORY
Willie, Redick, and Terry continued their absences. Giannis and Tucker were out for Milwaukee. With Maxi returning to the court, the “standard” starting lineup opened the action for the Mavs.
After a lackluster display of spirit in Houston, your Dallas Maveickss came out with energy and focus against the Bucks, at least after the first few minutes. The teams swapped a few runs in the first quarter, but the game was within two possessions for the entire frame. An 11-0 run late by the Bucks helped the visitors to a 31-29 lead against Dallas after one. The second quarter featured more of the same, with the score difference never extending beyond 6 points. Dallas made a 1-point inroad into their deficit, and the teams went into the locker room with the Mavs trailing 55-56.
Toward the end of the third, the Mavs built an 8-point lead, which soon evaporated. With the game tied, Luka was called for his 12th technical foul of the season for berating the ref after a non-call. The Bucks closed the period on a 12-0 run inside of two minutes, fueled by 4 Dallas turnovers in that stretch, and the Mavs were down 80-84 after three.
The Mavericks erased their deficit in the fourth, and built a lead on a slow and steady basis, reaching a double-digit advantage with three minutes left. The home team systematically destroyed the Bucks, putting up a 36-17 quarter, headlined by 11 points from KP and a gritty defensive performance.
STATISTICS
This game was won at the three-point line. Although both parties shot similar percentages, the Mavericks’ shot distribution resulted in 12 more 3PTAs by Dallas than by their opponent. Point differentials were even on points from twos and made free throws, and +15 on points from threes.
PLAYERS
DONCIC. Luka led all scorers with 27 points, on 11-20 shooting, 3-8 from three. He narrowly missed a triple-double, recording 9 rebounds and 9 dimes. He exhibited great energy and a sense of urgency, and made great decisions in the fourth. A reporter asked Rick after the game whether Luka’s 12 technical fouls are an issue, since he will receive a one-game suspension if he gets to 16. Carlisle says he is not worried about it because Luka understands the issue and is smart. If he does get a 16th T, Rick thinks he will commit it before a game when he is scheduled to rest in any case. Hmm.
DFS. Doe-Doe recorded a season-high 10 rebounds, and also boasted 9 points, 3 assists and 3 blocks. One of those blocks was a spectacular defensive play that was initially deemed a foul, but was reversed when Carlisle challenged the call. Dorian was awarded the Defensive Player of the Game belt for his work on Khris Middleton, normally the Bucks’ second-leading scorer, who was held to 6-27 shooting.
KLEBER. Maxi made a most welcome return to action. In addition to his sorely-missed defense, he chipped in 12 points, including 4-7 3PTAs. He put an exclamation point on the victory with a banked-in shot from the logo as the Mavericks’ last made shot.
RICHARDSON. Josh rebounded from his stinker in Houston, with a 14-5-4 line and a couple of steals. He still went 0-6 from three, and was only 6-16 from the floor, but he received praise from the coach for his defensive efforts on Jrue Holiday, who was limited to 13 points and 5 assists.
PORZINGIS. The Mavericks were making a concerted effort to keep KP involved offensively, and it paid off in a huge way. The big man had 26 points, 17 boards, and 2 blocks in a sparkling night. Whatever differences might or might not exist between Luka and Kris were not in evidence, as Doncic repeatedly fed Kristaps. There was a notable play early in the fourth, when KP’s defender left him to help on Luka, resulting in Luka’s passing to KP, who hit a beautiful three. The pair high-fived after the score. Zinger was obviously discontented with his role in Houston, but was all smiles after this contest. Coach commended him for a great all-around game on the second night of a B2B.
RESERVES. Timmy had 12 points off the bench, albeit on 4-11 attempts. Powell had 8 points and 4 boards in 15 minutes as the third big. Melli played only 7 minutes, but added 6 points with back-to-back threes in the second. It was a rare off night from Brunson, who was 1-8 from the field, and scored only 2 points in 22 minutes. Dallas won the battle of the benches 28-16.
BUCKS. Bobby Portis proved a tough Buck to contain, and he put up 20 points and 14 boards. All five starters were in double figures, but their team fell apart in the final frame, when no Buck had more than 5 points, and five players recorded goose eggs.
OBSERVATIONS
Rick described the match as “emotional” and “combative.” His proudest moments occurred after the Bucks made their big run at the end of the third. He thought the situation had potential to go south in a hurry, but his men maintained their composure and executed beautifully to get back in the race. The squad made some big shots in the fourth, hitting 7 of 11 from deep, and KP completing all three of his attempts from range.
The Mavs caught a huge break with Giannis being out, but I still think this victory is meaningful. Even without the Greek Freak, the Bucks are a very talented and well-coached squad, and it is a good sign that the Mavericks were able to defeat them so decisively, particularly with superior late-game execution. Hopefully, the Rockets loss can be chalked up as an aberrational cautionary tale warning our boys to keep their level of play sharp, whoever the opponent might be.
Very encouraging performance! The Mavs get a rare two-game hiatus, and will face the Spurs on Saturday.
