Mavs Struggle Offensively as Spurs Continue Dominance in Texas Rivalry

LaMarcus Aldridge and the San Antonio Spurs handle their business in Dallas as the Mavericks fall to 2-13 on the season.

For almost the past two decades, the Texas rivalry between the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs has always been a dog fight. Tonight’s game remained a dog fight, but it was an ugly, lower scoring dog fight, which are games that San Antonio seems to always win.

The Spurs came to Dallas and did what they have done for the last two decades; win. The Spurs collected their ninth victory of the season in a 97-91 win over the Mavs. Led by their defense, San Antonio bettered their 4th ranked scoring defense by only allowing 91 points to Dallas. The Mavericks struggled to get consistent buckets throughout the game, yet stayed within reach the entire game as the Spurs struggled themselves.

San Antonio was led by LaMarcus Aldridge who flat-out dominated Dallas inside the paint as if he was back in a Portland uniform. The former Texas Longhorn scored 32 points on 12-21 shooting. Aldridge handled his starting matchup with the smaller Harrison Barnes throughout the night and even with Salah Mejri or Nerlens Noel, Aldridge took care of business. Recently back from injury, Patty Mills made his shooting count as he put up 19 points off of four made three pointers.

For Dallas, the first half was a struggle, as they only scored 39 points. Harrison Barnes struggled in his matchup with the bigger LaMarcus Aldridge on both ends of the floor. The Spurs did a great job of switching on screens and blitzing Dennis Smith Jr, which caused the rookie to commit six turnovers throughout the game.

The second half was different for Dallas, as shots began to trickle in. Though the Spurs held the lead throughout the half, the Mavs were never out of it. As the Mavs fought back late in the fourth, DSJ caught fire, scoring 18 points in the final frame. Smith Jr. finished with a season-high 27 points and six rebounds while also shooting 5-10 from three point land.

One notable thing from tonight’s game was the minutes for the Mavs big men, as this has continued to be a talking point all season long. Nerlens Noel played only four minutes while Dwight Powell collected his first DNP-CD of the season. Salah Mejri continued to play consistently with 14 minutes and to some surprise, Maxi Kleber played a season-high 20 minutes tonight.

Though in a loss, the Mavs had two exciting highlights from tonight. Dennis Smith Jr. had another one of his electrifying dunks as he drove past the 37-year old Pau Gasol with ease to finish with a two-handed slam. And last but not least, Maxi Kleber baptized Rudy Gay after spinning baseline. Yes, Maxi Kleber dunked on someone!

Next: Dorian Finney-Smith Out For Awhile with Tendinitis

The Mavericks have two days off before a home back-to-back that begins on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. Go Mavs!