Nowitzki Leads the Hot Shooting Mavericks to Second Straight Win
By Dusty Bryan
For Dirk Nowitzki, it was just business as usual. The Big German scored 15 on 7-of-10 shooting to lead the Dallas Mavericks to another win. The win helped the Mavs improve to an 11-25 record on the season. It also capped a perfect 2-0 in back-to-back games.
Nowitzki had yet another efficient night shooting the ball. He connected on 7-of-10 field goal attempts and finished the game with a scorching 70 percent FG percentage. However, Nowitzki was not the only Mav with a hot hand. The team connected on 40-of-78 field goals to give the Mavs an impressive 51 percent FG percentage to beat the Indiana Pacers 98-94 on the road. The win in Indianapolis also ended a Mavs road game losing streak that spanned eight road games.
Five other Mavs’ players joined Nowitzki with double-digit scoring performances. Barnes and Matthews added 13 and 12 points respectively. Meanwhile, Powell, Ferrell and Harris provided a spark off the bench. They chipped in with 12,13 and 10 points respectively.
The game was not without drama, even though the Indiana Pacers were without leading scorer Victor Oladipo. This was the first game he missed this season. Despite his absence, the Mavs had to overcome a 74-71 deficit at the end of the third quarter to get the win. Lance Stephenson led the Pacers with 16 points. He hit a crucial shot to tie the game at 94-94 late. However, he committed a turnover shortly after that ensured the Pacers defeat.
The Mavs turned that turnover into an easy layup and managed to edge the shorthanded Pacers and get the win. As always, Nowitzki was clutch. He scored 6 of his 15 points in the final period to ensure the Mavs left Indianapolis with the win.
Defense played a critical role like it usually does in Mavs victories. The win in Indianapolis marks the ninth game the Mavs have won when they held their opponent to less than 100 points.
Next: Nerlens Noel Back With Mavs After Thumb Surgery
The Mavs look to extend their winning streak to three when they travel to New Orleans on Friday. That matchup will be a huge challenge for the Mavs as they will be facing a solid Pelicans squad. Tip-off will be at 8 P.M EST.