Chandler Parsons, Mavericks fall short against Champion Spurs to open season

The new look Dallas Mavericks (0-1) opened their season against the NBA’s best and short handed San Antonio Spurs (1-0). Sadly, the season started the way it ended last season.

With a loss on the Spurs home court.

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The Mavs would rally from a double-digit deficit midway through the fourth quarter, and would take a two point lead on a patented Dirk Nowitzki jumper. But Tony Parker would nail his fourth three of the night to give the Spurs the 101-100 lead.

With one final chance to win it, the ball would be in Nowitzki’s hands. On the block, the Spurs would bring the double-team. He’d find Devin Harris on a cross court pass, who would then swing to Chandler Parsons.

Parsons would launch the game winning attempt but it would fall short. Handing the Mavs the opening night loss.

Monta Ellis

would lead the Mavs with 26 points on 11-21 shooting. He’d also dish out a team-high 6 assists.

Nowitzki, quiet for most of the night, would pick it up late in the game for the Mavs. He’d score eight of his 18 points in the final frame.

Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili would once again reek havoc against Dallas. They’d score 23 and 20 points apiece.

Tim Duncan would have the lone double-double of the game with 14 points and 13 rebounds

Parsons would struggle on the offensive end in his debut. He’d make just two of ten shots and have zero assists. Tyson Chandler (8 points and 9 rebonds) was a welcome site anchoring the Mavs defense.

Three-Point Issue

We all know the Spurs will move and shoot the ball. They would knock down half of their 28 three point attempts. Parker would go 4-4 and Danny Green and Marco Belinelli would each go 3-6 from downtown.

The Mavs would just go 8-21 from behind the arc. Devin Harris (17 points) would go 2-5 from deep. Jameer Nelson would make a team-high three 3’s on five attempts. Parsons was just 1-4.

Figuring Out The Bench

Harris would have 17 big points for the Mavs and would hit two big threes in the fourth quarter. Outside of Harris, the Mavs didn’t get much. Jae Crowder, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Richard Jefferon would combine for 11 points on 3-7 shooting.

Wright added six points and five rebounds but struggled to guard the paint.

Ginobili led the Spurs’ bench with 20 points. Boris Diaw, just five points, would grab nine rebounds and have the big assists on the Parker three.

Taking Care Of The ball

One positive for the Mavs was their ability to take care of the ball. They would commit just 10 turnovers to the Spurs’ 21. They’d also total nine steals to the Spurs’ five. The Mavs would score 22 points off of Spurs’ miscues.

When the Mavs weren’t forcing turnovers, they struggled to force misses. The Spurs shot 52.8% from the floor as a team.

Next Up?

The Mavs will welcome all their MFFL this Thursday as they host the Utah Jazz. Tipoff is at 7:30 PM CT.

Final Thoughts

Despite the Spurs being without Kawhi Leonard, Patty Mills, and Tiago Splitter, the Mavs showed glimpses of why so many are high on them.

Parsons struggled for most of the night. It could have been nerves or his knee, but there’s no reason to worry about the Mavs investment.

Nowitzki and Ellis once again proved they can carry the Mavs offense when needed. Tyson proved why he’s so vital to the Mavs this season, and why many of us are ecstatic to have him back.

The bench rotation is still a head scratcher. Neither Crowder, Jefferson, or Aminu showed much to merit a large role.

Can’t forget that his is just the first of 82 games for the Mavs. With seven new players on the roster and possibly eight when J.J. Barea rejoins the team, the offense and chemistry will improve.