The Smoking Cuban
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Dallas Mavericks Light Up New Orleans in 128-120 Win

ByDusty Bryan|
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 20: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against the Detroit Pistons on December 20, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 20: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against the Detroit Pistons on December 20, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images)

The New Orleans Pelicans scored 120 points and posted an impressive 49 percent FG percentage. However, this was all in vain as the Dallas Mavericks lit up the scoreboard with 128 points and posted a blistering 55 percent FG percentage. It was a memorable night for the Mavs.

Smith’s first triple-double performance was instrumental in propelling the Mavericks to its first three game winning streak of the season. He scored 21 points, collected 10 rebounds and had 10 assists in the win over the Pelicans. As great as Smith’s night was, the Mavs as a whole had an impressive night on the offensive side of the ball.

Six other players joined Smith with double-digit scoring performances of their own. Dirk Nowitzki and Harrison Barnes scored13 apiece and Wesley Matthews scored 18 to round out the starters. Devin Harris, Dwight Powell and J.J Barea added 17, 15 and 14 points off the bench. As it turned out, the Mavs bench was huge in the game, as they outscored the Pelicans bench 60-10.

The Mavs were 22-of-39 from 3-point range for a scorching 56 percent 3-point FG percentage. Five Mavs’ players scored three or more 3-pointers in the game. Smith and Harris each hit five, Matthews hit four and Nowitzki and Barea each hit three shots from beyond the arc.

The Mavs offensive success started early in the game and propelled the team to a quick double-digit lead. That trend only continued into the second quarter as the Mavs had built a commanding 17-point halftime lead. But the Pelicans would not just go quietly into the night.

Led by Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis, the Pelicans cut the lead to 11 by the end of the third quarter. The Pelicans managed to pull within three points late in the game, but Barea hit two late 3-pointers to help the Mavs escape with the victory. Thus, the Mavs ended the memorable night with a third straight win.

Next: Dallas Mavericks: What Does Dirk Need to Pass Wilt?

The Mavs will travel to Oklahoma City next to take on the Thunder on New Year’s Eve. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 P.M EST.

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