Dallas Mavericks Beat Memphis Grizzlies 105-91

Dec 18, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Brandan Wright (34) blocks the shot of Memphis Grizzlies forward James Johnson as Dallas Mavericks forward forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) defends at American Airlines Center. The Mavs beat the Grizzlies 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

It was all Dallas from opening tip. The Mavericks (15-10) dominated the Memphis Grizzlies(10-15) to win 105-91 and led by as much as 21 points.

Dirk Nowtizki returned to the starting lineup after missing Saturday night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to sickness. He showed no signs of residual effects, hitting 14 of his 20 points in the first half.

"It was a good win against an obviously undermanned team…It was a good win. I thought defensively we competed and that is what we wanted to do… I felt fine out there."

The Mavericks for the second straight game shared the ball with 25 assists, a stat coach Rick Carlisle says was needed against a team like Memphis.

"We needed to pass it well because you just can’t dribble up and try to go through their defense. They have too many great defenders and their system is really strong. We needed ball movement, we needed stops"

Also returning to the court tonight was Samuel Dalembert after sitting last game due to coach’s decision. In only 13 minutes, he went 3-for-3 from the field for eight points and seven rebounds.

Rick Carlisle:

"He was able to guard, his length was a factor, he rebounded, he blocked shots and he did some great things offensively as well. I’m very very happy for him after the other night"

Dalembert wants his performance to build from tonight.

"It’s a big confidence [boost] for me. It’s huge for me. You can only  imagine what it does for your confidence. I was so focused throughout the game."

Jose Calderon’s hot shooting hand was warm once again. Calderon was 5-for-7, including 2-for-4 from the three-point line. When asked if he should shoot the ball more, his response was:

"I think is depends on the game and what’s going on in the game. I’m not the guy who looks to score first. I know I can score, but some days I need to just run the offense and other days the team is going to need me to score…"

For the Grizzlies, Mike Miller summed the night up best.

"We’re losing, but we got to stand tall and get back to working"

The Mavs will try to finish a perfect 3-0 on their homestand Friday night against the Toronto Raptors.

 Postgame Notes: Vince Carter led the team for a second straight game in assists with six tonight. The Mavs outshot the Grizzlies 52.6% to 36.2% from the field in the first half. Memphis guard Tony Allen had a double-double, 16 points and 11 rebounds.