Dallas Mavericks Lose a Winnable Game Full of Highs and Lows

The Dallas Mavericks fought hard from a 22-point deficit in the 1st half, but couldn’t hold on in the waning minutes as the Memphis Grizzlies take the 2nd matchup, 96-91. Harrison Barnes led the Mavs in scoring with 22 points.

It was a crazy game for the Dallas Mavericks and the Memphis Grizzlies, full of ups and downs throughout the full 48 minutes. The Mavs started off the first few possessions and looked like they may be in a groove. That did not last long however, as they ended the quarter with only 14 points.

The 2nd quarter was a lot more of the same for Dallas as they found their biggest deficit about midway through the 2nd. They were able to narrow the half time difference to a paltry 19 though, don’t worry.

The third quarter had the Mavericks firing on all cylinders, led by Matthews 4 threes. Dallas slowed Memphis down offensively and was able to get the Grizzlies’ lead down to 8 at the end of the quarter. Harrison Barnes, Wesley Matthews, and Dirk all helped push the Mavs forward up to that point.

In the final 12 minutes, Dallas and Memphis swapped blows. Memphis widened the lead back out to 12 early in the quarter, but a 16-2 run by Dallas, led by 9 from Barea and capitalized by a Dirk three and 3 free throws from Barea put the Mavericks up by 2 with 3:56 left in the game. The next possession, Nerlens Noel got a great swipe at the ball from Marc Gasol but it ended up bouncing around right into Mike Conley’s lap who drained a three-pointer.

The Mavs were never able to fully recover from that shot.

Dallas’ stat leaders consisted of Harrison Barnes with 22 points and 11 rebounds, Wes Matthews with 18 points, Dirk with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals, and Dennis Smith Jr. with 9 points and 9 assists.

Silver Lining

The Mavericks outrebounded the Grizzlies 53-46 including a huge advantage on the offensive glass, 18-9. This is a good sign for Dallas who has struggled mightily with rebounds over the last few years. It is especially comforting seeing that 5 different Mavericks who had at least 5 rebounds tonight.

What to Work On

The Mavericks had some really interesting shot selection tonight, especially in key parts of the game. This is something that is really going to need fixing as the season goes on. Barnes, DSJ, J.J., and even Dirk had some shots that they probably wouldn’t have taken normally. It should get better as time goes on.

Next: The Dallas Mavericks Don't Need to Hit the Panic Button Yet

The Dallas Mavericks will get a chance to make some corrections before their matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. The game will tip-off at 7:30 central time, back home in Dallas. Both teams will be looking for their 2nd win.