Introducing The Game Changer Report

Often in Major League Baseball, a game will come down to three to five pitches that decide the outcome. In National League Football, it can be a handful of plays. The National Basketball Association is very unique, in that there are several stretches where each team may dominant the game of play. These “runs” can make all the difference in losing or winning the game. A team’s ability to capitalize on their own runs, while limiting the length of the opponent’s runs, gives them the best chance at success. Using confidence and the energy from the crowd, the players on the court look to make the most of these opportunities.

“The Game Changer Report” is here to breakdown the run or two of each game that made the difference in the Dallas Mavericks’ win or loss. Highlighting where players were able to make great plays or errant mistakes, will give greater insight into the difference makers. The Report will also provide details on what could have occurred to change the outcome. This may include an extra pass that was not made, a missed rotation on defense or a mismatch that was not taken advantage of. To provide an example and get you ready for the upcoming season, here is “The Game Changer Report” for the lone victory for the Mavericks in the 2015 Playoffs.

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Game 4: Houston at Dallas Box Score

With a 121 to 109 victory over the Houston Rockets, the Dallas Mavericks kept their season alive. The Mavs were able to spread the wealth with six players having 10+ points, three of which had double doubles. Monte Ellis led the way with 31 points. Entered in the starting lineup for the first time this post season, JJ Barea and Al-Farouq Aminu were able to contribute two of the double doubles. Barea with 17 points and 13 assists, Aminu with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Tyson Chandler added the other, with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Dallas now trails 3-1 in the series as it shifts back to Houston.

The Mavericks took an eight point lead into halftime. They had led by seven points at half in the previous game, and went on to lose it early on it the third quarter. This time, Dallas was determined to continue the momentum into the second half. With 7:41 remaining in the third quarter, they lead 65-56. On the free throw line was Monte Ellis, after a Nowitzki rebound lead to him driving to the hoop and being fouled by Dwight Howard. Ellis was able to hit both free throws. Houston Rockets’ Corey Brewer missed on a 21 foot jumper and Aminu was able to secure the rebound. Right back at it, was Ellis with a two point shot. After a missed three pointer by Houston’s Trevor Ariza, Chandler grabbed the board for Dallas. Pushing the ball was Barea, who found an open Aminu for the three (see picture above). Houston was then forced to take a timeout, as they now trailed 72-56, a 7-0 run by the Mavs.

Timeouts are used to kill an opposing team’ run, giving defenders a chance to regain composure and quiet the crowd. However, this was not the case in this game. Rockets’ Howard was fouled by Chandler and was able to make one of the two free throws. Barea was able to respond with a 10 foot jumper. After Houston missed three shots, Dirk Nowitzki finally gained possession of the ball. Not to be stopped was Ellis with another two point shot. Ariza again missed a three pointer for the Rockets, and Ellis grabbed the rebound. Barea took control and found an opening outside the arc, adding three more for Dallas. On the other side of the court, Amare Stoudemire blocked Brewer’s floater and Nowitzki grabbed the loose ball. Quickly getting it to Ellis, who took it the length of the court for an easy lay up. Another timeout for Houston. Overall a 16-1 stretch for the Mavericks, as they now lead 81-57. Houston was unable to recover, after back to back runs and Dallas lived to see another day.

Three minutes and eight seconds of play. Eight points and an assist by Ellis. Five points and an assist by Barea. Three rebounds by Nowitzki. Along with the defense allowing just one point, this was the two stretches of play that lead to the Mavericks victory in Game 4 of the first round of the playoffs. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the only one.

Look forward to “The Game Changer Report” each week as we breakdown the difference in the game and welcome your feedback on what you think was the game changing moments.

Next: Top-10 Rosters Heading in to 2015-16 Season

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