Strong Performances from Smith Jr., Barnes Sink the Kings

The Dallas Mavericks practically led from start to finish as they beat the Sacramento Kings on the road 103-97.

In an anticipated matchup of highly touted rookie point guards, Dennis Smith Jr. got the best of De’Aaron Fox and his Sacramento Kings tonight. The win broke a 5 game losing streak previously held by Dallas.

The Mavericks started the game out strong, racing out to an 11-4 lead behind two early three pointers from Dennis Smith Jr. Junior would then go on to throw down this thunderous dunk:

Then, in a hold-your-breath moment, Smith Jr. would be forced to leave in the 1st quarter with a tweaked ankle. Thankfully, the rookie would later return in the 2nd quarter and finish the half with 15 points, 3 assists, but also 3 turnovers.

Harrison Barnes had himself a phenomenal half. Dallas’ go-to guy matched his career high for assists (6) in just the first half. He also added 16 points and 3 boards in the opening two periods.

On the other side of things, the 1st half belonged to Kings back-up center Kosta Koufos. In just 14 minutes, the Greek-American posted 15 points and 7 rebounds. The Mavericks had no answer for him, especially on the offensive glass.

The Mavericks led the Kings 53-45 at the break.

In the 3rd quarter, the Mavericks got the lead all the way up to 15 following a Dirk three with 4:20 remaining. The Kings would continue to claw back into the game, however.

After a 13-3 run by Sacramento to end the 3rd, the Mavericks led the Kings 75-70 heading into the 4th and final period.

Newly acquired forward Doug McDermott got the team going in the 4th with some great off-ball cuts to the basket. The former college Naismith and Wooden Player of the Year finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds on 6-7 shooting.

Yogi Ferrell had 8 points to close the Kings out. Smith finished with 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 turnovers in only 25 minutes. Barnes posted 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in 34 minutes of action.

This win brings the Mavericks record to 23-51 and drops the Kings to 24-51. Dallas plays the second night of their back-to-back road trip tomorrow against the Lakers in Los Angeles.

Next: Would the Mavericks Consider Trading Up?

With just 8 games remaining, the 2017-2018 season is almost a wrap. Cheer on your Dallas Mavericks to finish strong and head into the offseason on a high note!