No Tanking for Dallas Mavericks in Win Over Bucks

Behind a big game from Harrison Barnes, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night.

With a win on Saturday by the Portland Trail Blazers, the Dallas Mavericks were officially eliminated from the playoffs.

Sitting with a 31-44 record and seven games left in the season, the Mavericks are stuck in a spot of competing in a competitive manner while still looking at their draft position come June. Going into Milwaukee, the Mavs currently sit in the 9th spot in the NBA Draft.

Losing their last four games, Dallas came into the matchup without their starting shooting guard, Seth Curry, due to a shoulder injury.

The Bucks came into the game sitting in the 5th spot out East with a 40-36 record despite missing Jabari Parker for the majority of the season. Milwaukee was also missing rookie sensation, Malcolm Brogdon, in the matchup with Dallas.

The Game

It was a fun game from the start for both teams as both teams finished the first quarter shooting over 60% from the field. Dallas started the game going 7-of-7 from the field and 4-of-4 from behind the arc with two threes a piece from Nowitzki and Ferrell.

Milwaukee didn’t go away as Antetokounmpo finished the quarter with ten points, four rebounds, and three assists. Dallas took a 31-28 lead into the second quarter.

In the second, the Bucks used their length and size to stay in the game with the Mavs. Behind eight consecutive points from rookie Thon Maker, the Bucks tied the game heading into halftime. For the Mavericks, Nowitzki led the way with 12 points at the half while Ferrell followed behind with 10.

Maker continued his hot streak into the second half as he opened up the third quarter with a three pointer of his own. Gary Payton II made his Bucks debut and gave Milwaukee a jolt on the offensive end. Harrison Barnes kept his pace for the Mavericks as he finished the quarter with 16 points.

In the fourth, Dallas rode the hot hand of J.J. Barea and Harrison Barnes as they gave the Mavericks a 10 point lead with four minutes to go. But in the closing minutes, needing a clutch basket, Dallas goes to Harrison Barnes for the dagger. Dallas won the game 109-105.

Deciding Statistic

The Mavericks started off the game going 4-for-4 from behind the arc and never looked back from there. By the end of the game, they had six players hit at least one three pointer with five of them hitting multiple three pointers.

Dallas finished the day shooting 14-36 from three for 38%.

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Player of the Game

Harrison Barnes was the player of the game and there was no doubt about it. Barnes was the consistent offensive weapon for the Mavericks as he finished the third quarter with 16 points and finished the game with 31 points total.

Despite already out of the playoffs, Barnes took it upon himself to lead the Mavericks to the big win in Milwaukee. He finished the day with 31 points on 9/13 shooting in 39 minutes. He also went 10-10 from the free throw line.

Nowitzki added 17 while Ferrell added 13.

For the Bucks, Atetokounmpo had a monster stat line with 31 points, 15 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks. All five of their starters were in double figures.

Next: J.J. Barea is Getting Comfortable Dropping Dimes to Nerlens Noel

The Mavericks will travel to Sacramento next to face a young Kings team looking at a high draft pick this summer.