By the Numbers: Mavericks Edge Thunder, 119-115

The Dallas Mavericks outlasted Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder, 119-115, in what was an emotional roller coaster at the American Airlines Center Monday night.

At times the Mavericks looked horrible, particularly on the boards and the defense end. Then there were other times where they looked like world-beaters capable of scoring at will. In the end, players up and down the roster made timely plays and came up with stops when they needed them most.

Here are some standout numbers from the game.

77: Dirk Nowitzki, Monta Ellis, and Chandler Parsons combined to score 77 of the Mavericks’ 119 points. Parsons led the way with 31, his most since scoring 32 against the Detroit Pistons on December 17th. Ellis had 24, and Nowitzki scored 22. They were a combined 26-52 from the floor. Parsons and Nowitzki were 7-12 from three-point range.

13: Rajon Rondo registered 13 assists, a game-high. It was his second-highest total as a Maverick. Rondo orchestrated things beautifully in the first quarter as he racked up seven assists before picking up his second foul and taking a seat. His absence had a profound effect on the offense. Dallas started the game 8-12 from the floor, then promptly went 1-12 as OKC got back into the game.

Rondo has more freedom within the scheme and it’s led to a comfort level previously unseen since he arrived in December. With the roster intact and a couple of solid wins under the belt recently, Rondo and the rest of the Mavericks could hit their groove and head into postseason play on a positive note.

10: Amar’e Stoudemire scored 10 points on 5-9 shooting from the floor. Why is that significant? Well, it’s his sixth game in double figures for the Mavericks in 10 games played. He’s been everything the Mavericks could have hoped for when they signed him. He’s provided energy, toughness, efficient low post scoring, and some solid rebounding off the bench.

22: The Mavericks were lucky to come away with a victory being out-rebounded by 22. Tyson Chandler was their leading rebounder with seven, while Enes Kanter and Mitch McGary each grabbed 13 for the Thunder. They got the win this time, but if the Mavericks plan on lasting more than four or five games this postseason they’ll have to do a better job on the boards.

9: Mitch McGary needed just 9 minutes to post a double-double for the Thunder. He ended up with 12 points to go along with his 13 rebounds, but also made a critical mental error late in the game that helped the Mavericks seal the win.

20: How many times I watched this, probably:

Dallas has the night off Tuesday before welcoming the Orlando Magic for a game Wednesday evening.

Next: Game Grades for Win Over Clippers

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