Final: Jazz 97, Mavs 90
Box Score | Highlights
Behind the Box Score
Dirk Nowitzki passed Shawn Bradley (1,250) for most blocks by a Maverick in franchise history. Nowitzki is now the franchise’s leader in *deep breath* games, minutes, 2s, 2 attempts, 3s, 3 attempts, free throws, free throw attempts, offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, blocks, turnovers, fouls, points, PER, BPM, win shares, and VORP.
J.J. Barea knocked down his 500th 3-pointer as a member of the Mavericks, becoming the eighth player in franchise history to reach that mark for the franchise. Just ahead of him on that list was Wesley Matthews, who reached 500 just before the All-Star break.
Notebook
A lot of crazy things happened in this game, not the least of which was a mysterious cut on Dwight Powell’s arm that seemed to start bleeding half a dozen times throughout the night. The story of the game, at least for the Mavericks, was the run the second unit went on in the first half. The group of J.J. Barea, Yogi Ferrell, Doug McDermott, Dirk Nowitzki, and Powell outscored the Jazz 30-10 during an extended stretch spanning the end of the first quarter and a majority of the second. That group of four without McDermott has been a consistent positive virtually all season long, earlier on playing with Devin Harris as a super-small forward. But they haven’t missed a beat since adding McDermott, putting on one of their finest exhibitions of the season during that run. Without that 30-10 stretch, this game wouldn’t have come down to the final seconds the way it did.
Powell has now recorded multiple offensive rebounds in 12 of his last 14 games. He’s been a consistent presence on the offensive boards as he’s received more playing time. The Mavs haven’t been a highly ranked team in offensive rebounding for the last few seasons, but Powell’s efforts, along with Salah “The Mej” Mejri’s glass-crashing ways, have given Dallas a boost in that department. Rebounds mean extra possessions, and that’s always a good thing.
What’s Next
The Mavs (18-42) will play the Indiana Pacers (34-25) on Monday at American Airlines Center at 7:30 p.m. Central.
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