Mavericks, Celtics Game Grades: Highs and Lows

Nov 3, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward

Dirk Nowitzki

(41) drives to the basket and is fouled by Boston Celtics forward

Jeff Green

(8) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Celtics 118-113. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

113. 18. . 118. 79

The Dallas Maverick (3-1) survived a scare to hold on to beat the Boston Celtics. They raced out to a huge lead only see it dwindle down to one. A few timely plays allowed them to escape with a win that ended up being much harder than it should have been.

The frontcourt had a great night while the guards had a harder time going against the pressure of Boston’s promoter defenders. Here are the grades.

F. Dallas Mavericks. DIRK NOWITZKI. A. Dirk had another hyper-efficient game, going for 27 points on only 14 shots. His three point stroke returned after an off night from deep against the Pelicans, as he went 4-4 from downtown. Most importantly, when the offense bogged down, he seemed to come through, either hitting the shot himself or passing out of the double team. Two years ago, few could have imagined Dirk would still be operating at such a high level at this age, so savor another vintage Dirk performance.

A-. At time it seemed like Parsons could do no wrong. He was hitting the three, creating for teammates and playing some energetic defense. His pump fake is a thing of beauty and we will be seeing plenty of it this season. He faded a bit in the second half and should have been more assertive to start the second half, but still a great game from the Mavs dynamic new forward.. F. Dallas Mavericks. CHANDLER PARSONS

Tyson had an efficient double double, and was mostly effective doing what he could to anchor the defense, altering shots and coming up with four blocks. At times the defense looked disorganized, and he was a little too sloppy with the ball, as evidenced by his five turnovers.. C. Dallas Mavericks. TYSON CHANDLER. B+

Dallas Mavericks. GUARDS. C. The guards struggled in this game. They shot poorly and turned the ball over. They had a lot of trouble with Boston’s tough perimeter defense, especially when they turned up the pressure to start the third quarter. Defense continues to be a problem for the Dallas guards, particularly in transition. Too many times the Celtics got right to the rim to convert the layup or pass out for an open three. <strong><a href=. G

F. For whatever reason, the Mavericks cannot seem to figure out the third quarter. Before the game they were already minus 33, and they were minus 14 in this one. Whether it is Carlisle’s halftime speech or adjustments to the rotation, something needs to change. Maybe Carlisle will be quicker to call for Dirk to get the ball on the block to manufacture some points before things get out of hand, or to put in Harris or Barea to try to relieve some of the pressure.. Bad. Dallas Mavericks. THIRD QUARTERS

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