One big storyline the last time these two teams played was the start. Portland led 33-20 after the first quarter when they played last week, but Dallas held the advantage 25-17 after one tonight. The Blazers made up the difference with a strong second quarter, though, and they were able to pull away in the second half behind some insane shooting from Damian Lillard. (Does that sound familiar?) Anyway, it was good to see a better start by the Mavs in this one. This was just a rare example of the Mavericks not being able to dig out of a steep hole.
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He even pulled up for a 3, which is a pretty ambitious shot. But he made it.
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Smith’s transition play is capable of adding a new dimension to this team, which has historically favored halfcourt offense over the occasionally chaotic nature of up-and-down affairs. If Junior can continue playing like this in the open floor, though, I wonder how long it will be before Dallas loosens the reins on its young rookie even more.
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Barnes is a very good mid-range shooter, but layups are always the right way to go! Barnes has become so good at driving to the rim this season. That’s been a very underappreciated development in his game, in my opinion. Last season he’d settle for those 18-footers, but this year he’s been more willing to absorb contact and fight his way to the cup.
The Mavs (16-33) will play the Denver Nuggets (25-23) on Wednesday at the Pepsi Center at 8 p.m. Central.
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