Final: Kings 93, Mavs 88
Box Score | Highlights
Behind the Box Score
Harrison Barnes took only one mid-range jumper on opening night. He attempted several more in this one, but he continued attacking the basket like he did in the season opener. Barnes took nine free throws tonight after attempting as many on Wednesday. It’s the first time in his career that he’s taken at least nine FTs in back-to-back games.
The Mavs began the game with seven assists on their first seven baskets, which is the type of productive ball movement every coach loves to see. The ball movement was particularly notable for the starters tonight because they were without Dennis Smith Jr. and started only Yogi Ferrell in a ball-handling role. For the other guys to keep it moving without extra point guard help is a reason for optimism.
Notebook
Games as close as this one often come down to a couple key moments, and there were some big ones at pivotal times in this game. For one, George Hill drained a 3-pointer while being fouled with just under 90 seconds left, and the Kings pulled down a few big offensive rebounds down the stretch to give themselves extra possessions. Sacramento grabbed 16 offensive boards tonight and converted those into 14 second-chance points. To the Mavs’ credit, they limited the Kings to only 26 points in the paint on 13-of-37 shooting in the lane, a huge improvement from the 58 allowed against Atlanta. However, 16 offensive boards will still be too many for Rick Carlisle’s liking. The Mavs will need to rely on wings and guards to help in that department moving forward, no matter how big the starting lineup will be.
Dorian Finney-Smith had an awesome night for Dallas, receiving more minutes with Nerlens Noel in the starting lineup and every other Mavs forward moving down a position. The second-year player spent all summer working to smooth out his jump shot, and the results certainly showed tonight. He hit a career-high-tying three 3-pointers as well as a step-back long 2. He finished with 14 points, the second-most he’s scored in a game. It was good to see him step up when he received more time. Depending on what happens availability-wise tomorrow night in Houston, he could once again earn big minutes.
Rookie guard Gian Clavell made his NBA debut tonight. The Colorado State product is one of two Mavs players on a two-way contract, meaning once the G League season begins he’ll be able to spend only 45 days with the Mavericks, and he’ll spend the rest with the Texas Legends. Clavell scored three points and was a +13 in 10 minutes. He figures to receive more minutes moving forward should Smith miss time.
Rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. missed the game with left knee effusion, known colloquially as “water on the knee.” It’s disappointing news for the rookie to miss a game, but hopefully he’ll be back in action soon. Carlisle said he won’t play tomorrow in Houston but the hope is he’ll be available on Monday against Golden State.
What’s Next
The Mavs (0-2) will play the Houston Rockets (2-0) on Saturday at the Toyota Center at 7 p.m. Central.
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