Nets at Mavericks Final Score: Dirk’s Cold Night Results In 107-104 Over Time Loss

Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks (42-29) home stand hasn’t been as smooth as expected. After falling to the Brooklyn Nets (37-31) 107-104 in over time, the Mavericks are 2-2 at the midpoint of their eight game home stand.

The Mavericks were dealt a huge blow early when Jose Calderon was whacked in the face in face by Nets’ rookie Mason Plumlee on a rebounding attempt that would lead to him not being able to return.

If not having their starting point guard isn’t bad enough, the Mavericks suffered through a horrid game from the face of the franchise on a night Monta Ellis put up 32 points.

Joe Johnson led the way for the Nets with 22 points. Deron Williams and Paul Pierce each chipped in 15 points as well to give the Mavericks their third overtime loss of the season in as many tries.

Father Time Pays Mavs a Visit

Even at 35 years old, Dirk Nowitzki has been phenomenal this season. Well, tonight, the 35 year old played like a 35 year old. Nowitzki finished with just 10 points on 2-12 shooting with six points coming in overtime. Nowitzki just didn’t look like himself tonight, missing easy looks, looking slower than usual, and even air balling his final attempt during regulation. Rick Carlisle may need to consider resting the Big German if this continues.

Jose Took Mavs Shooting With Him

Without their floor general and perimeter threat, the Mavericks were held to 38.5% shooting from the floor and 32.3%f from 3. The Mavericks struggled all night to hit shots and get good looks. Devin Harris took over the point guard duties in Calderon’s place. Harris hit three quick 3-pointers but cooled off quickly after. Harris finished with 11 points on 4-15 shooting, 6 assists, and 4 turnovers. Rookie Shane Larkin was also asked to pick up the extra point guard minutes, tallying 5 points and 1 assist in 13 minutes.  Though Calderon’s a hindrance on the defensive end, this game showed Calderon’s importance to the Mavs’ offense.

Thorn To Mavs Side

The Nets’ bench once again came up big this season against the Mavericks. This time thanks to Marcus Thornton, who put up 20 points to get the Nets rolling. Even with the Mavericks bench getting extended minutes due to Calderon’s absence, they would only match the Nets’ bench output of 38 points.

Playing Big

Samuel Dalembert showed why the Mavericks had high hopes for him prior to the season. Dalembert was a presence on both sides of the court. Dalembert ended the night with 12 points, 15 rebounds (5 offensive), and 7 blocks. This is the Dalembert the Mavericks need more of.

The Mavericks now find themselves 8th in the West with only a half game lead on the Phoenix Suns.

The Mavericks next face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday then host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday. The Mavericks must pull off some big wins or they can find themselves on the outside looking in of the playoff picture.