Knicks Earn a Narrow Victory Over the Mavericks 100-96

The Dallas Mavericks fall to the New York Knicks 100-96 in Dallas Sunday night. Former Mavericks point guard and current team broadcaster Derek Harper had his #12 jersey retired during halftime in a grandiose, nostalgic ceremony.

It truly was a game of epic narratives. Derek Harper being solidified in the Mavericks’ rafters forever. Dennis Smith Jr. trying to prove to New York they made a mistake by passing on him for Frank Ntilikina. Kristaps Porzingis matching up with the legend he modeled his game after, Dirk Nowitzki. Before the game even tipped off, there was an unusual amount of buzz surrounding two teams with below .500 records, and rightfully so.

Derek Harper is unquestionably a Mavericks legend on the court and quickly becoming one in the broadcasting booth as well. He was a key cog in some of the very first contending Dallas teams, even pushing Magic Johnson and the “Showtime” Lakers to 7 games in the 1988 Western Conference Finals.

Harper is the franchise’s all-time leader in assists (5,111) and steals (1,551). He is third in franchise history in games played (769), games started (563), and minutes played (24,882). On behalf of Mavericks nation, I would like to thank you Derek Harper for everything you have given to this franchise and the city of Dallas both on and off the court. Your jersey retirement is well-deserved.

The Knicks ended up pulling out the victory on Derek Harper night, doing their best to honor their former player, Harper, in their own right. Knicks big men Enes Kanter (9 1st quarter points) and Kristaps Porzingis (11 1st quarter points) came into the game blazing hot. The Knicks shot 73.7% in the first quarter to take a 33-25 lead.

A strong 2nd quarter from Dennis Smith Jr. that saw him scoring 5 points, dishing out 3 assists, and collecting 2 rebounds and a steal helped the Mavericks cut the deficit to just four points. The Knicks led the Mavericks 56-52 at the break despite having a major advantage in shooting percentage, 54.8% to 37.5%. The Mavericks ability to force turnovers (9) and protect the ball (2 TOs) was in large part the reason the game was kept close heading into the 3rd quarter.

In the 4th quarter, the Mavericks made yet another impressive comeback bid. A 17-4 run led by Harrison Barnes had them tied with New York, 94-94 with around a minute left in the game. Knicks guard Jarret Jack hit a running floater to take the lead with 31 seconds remaining and ultimately they would never look back. A couple of trips to the free throw line by Courtney Lee sealed their victory 100-96.

Harrison Barnes led the way for the Mavericks in both scoring (25) and rebounding (7). Rookie Dennis Smith Jr. turned in another solid performance with 11 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and most importantly, 0 turnovers. Wes Matthews submitted 14 points of his own and his typical top-notch defense.

In the end, it wasn’t enough to overcome Kristaps Porzingis and Jeff Hornacek’s group of players. Porzingis finished with 29 points and 8 rebounds despite struggling mightily down the stretch. The Mavericks (13-28) will host the Orlando Magic (12-28) on Tuesday as they try to bounce back and regain their winning ways from that recent season-best four game winning streak.

Next: Looking Back on the Legacy of Derek Harper

In the end, it was a special night to give thanks and recognition to one of the best players in Dallas Mavericks history, Derek Harper. No loss could possibly diminish the outstanding halftime ceremony that took place Sunday night. Be there Tuesday to cheer on your Dallas Mavericks and give them that extra boost they deserve to gain the much needed win against the Magic. As always MFFLs, stay rowdy, loud, and proud!