Preview: Mavericks Try for Three Straight Wins Over Spurs

The Dallas Mavericks got a much needed victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, and they’ll try to do it again on Friday. It would be their third straight victory over the Spurs this season after losing by a single point on opening night.

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With just 10 games left on the schedule it’s imperative that the Mavericks work out at least some of the remaining kinks before postseason play, and what better way to enter the home stretch than with another victory over the defending champs?

It won’t be easy. It never is against the Spurs. Even with their entire starting five sitting out a game against Dallas in December, Rondo’s first game in a Maverick uniform, it was only a six-point victory.

Then again, it’s San Antonio’s third game in four nights. No word yet on whether or not anybody sits this one out, but it’s possible at least someone gets a night off. Either way, Dallas has their work cut out for them. Here’s what you need to know.

Season Series: 2-1, Mavericks

It was already mentioned above, but Dallas has won two straight over San Antonio after losing on the season’s opening night. Dallas is currently a half-game back of the Spurs, who sit in sixth place in the standings. The Mavericks would like to avoid the Memphis Grizzlies, who would be their first round matchup if the season ended today.

My guess is that they’d rather play the Houston Rockets, who sit in third place. Dallas is 1-2 against the Rockets this season, but they’re 1-1 since acquiring Rondo and the two losses have come by a combined eight points. Moving up would help the Mavericks, and winning the season series against the Spurs would help them do that.

Player to Watch:

Just like on Tuesday, the player to watch is Monta Ellis. He bounced back from two poor outings with 38 points on nearly 60% shooting against the Spurs on Tuesday. Now the question is: can he stay hot?

Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard, both very good perimeter defenders, spent time on Ellis in Tuesday’s game. It’ll be difficult for him to replicate his performance in that one, but if Monta can score efficiently and draw enough attention to open things up for his teammates the Mavericks have a good shot at winning.

Key to Victory:

Turnovers. San Antonio committed 17 turnovers against the Mavericks on Tuesday, and Dallas turned them into 22 points on the other end. Dallas will need to take care of the ball themselves, too. It’s important to get good looks every time down against the Spurs, and giving them extra opportunities by turning the ball over won’t help them do it.

Key to Victory, Part 2:

Defensive rebounds. This is a key to a Maverick victory almost every time out, but against the Spurs it’s extra important. Controlling the defensive glass will help the Mavericks get out in transition and earn themselves some easy buckets. San Antonio gives up the 10th most fast break points a game, and the Mavericks score the fifth most. Dallas scored 24 of them in Tuesday’s meeting.

Check out the highlights of Tuesday’s game below if you missed it, and keep your fingers crossed for a repeat performance. Go Mavs!

Next: A Pissed Off Monta Ellis Gives Mavericks Hope

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