Dallas proves with win they can hang with the best of the best
Dallas, TX – The Dallas Mavericks have done something that they did not do through the first 12 games and that is beat a top-level team. Dallas knew they had to come out firing on all cylinders if they had any chance to beat the high-powered Denver Nuggets. Tonight featured the dynamic duo between Luka […]
Dallas, TX – The Dallas Mavericks have done something that they did not do through the first 12 games and that is beat a top-level team.
Dallas knew they had to come out firing on all cylinders if they had any chance to beat the high-powered Denver Nuggets.
Tonight featured the dynamic duo between Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis as they could not be stopped offensively.
The two combined for 52 points (29 from Porzingis and 23 for Doncic) as they continued on their path of dominance.
Dallas had this game circled on their calendar as Denver dominated them in their first matchup 106-75.
Here are a few key factors that contributed to the defeat of the #4 seed in the Western Conference.
Secondary players stepped up
Not only did KP and Doncic finish with 20+, but it was the secondary players that contributed to the win.
Tim Hardaway Jr went off in the 4th quarter as he finished with 19 points and displayed hot shooting once again.
Jalen Brunson showed a bit of razzle and dazzling as he contributed with 17 points off the bench.
The key stat that was lost in tonight's game was how Dallas outscored Denver 30-20 in the assist battle.
When they are playing unselfish basketball the entire team can have scoring opportunities to knock down shots.
Jason Kidd's 4th quarter lineups
Jason Kidd may have found a lineup to attack Denver's defense in the 4th quarter because it was the key in Dallas sealing the victory.
Kidd made these two statements about what he saw during his press conference.
"We went with Dorian at the 5, with their second unit that was small and thought that could be a lineup to get us some energy and physicality and that is what they brought in the 4th quarter."
"That group was really really good with Dorian at the 5 and with our four guards out there and I thought Timmy was great on both ends of the ball out there for us tonight."
The lineup Kidd decided to go with is the creativity you need to have in this league to be victorious.
You see the maturity of Kidd and he has a better feel putting players in the best positions on the floor.
As a result, Dallas took down a top-seeded team for the first time this season.
What does this win prove?
Dallas not only got their payback but they have a formula that can help them be more unpredictable on offense.
All of their losses against top teams were by double-digit scores, tonight proved they can hang with the best.
Yes, they will have to win games against good opponents more consistently, but this is just the beginning.
This could be a confidence builder as Dallas will have a tough road stretch over the next four games.
They will be on the road for the next four games against Phoenix (back-to-back) and LA Clippers (twice).
Mavericks will have a tough stretch over the next eight days, hopefully this is a sign of good fortune.
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