Dallas Mavericks need team effort to top Anthony Davis’ Pelicans

The Dallas Mavericks were able to end their recent losing streak at home against Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans. The Mavs needed almost every one of their 122 points to stop the Pels, but a win is a win.

The game last night between the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans was one of the most entertaining games all season from start to finish. The Mavs topped the Pels 122-119, although that came very close to being an overtime matchup when Anthony Davis got two good looks at three-pointers in the final minute of the game.

Dallas was led in scoring by another impressive performance by rookie, Luka Doncic. Luka finished the game with 21, despite a pretty average shooting night (38% from the field, including 0-5 from three point). He was joined in double-digits by DeAndre Jordan with 20, J.J. Barea with 18, Harrison Barnes and Devin Harris with 16 each and Maxi Kleber with 10. Wesley Matthews added 8, Dirk Nowitzki got 7 and Dwight Powell and Dorian Finney-Smith combined for 6 to round out the Mavs.

On the other end, it was a three-man wrecking crew with Anthony Davis leading the charge with 32 points and 18 rebounds. Jrue Holiday scored 25 and Julius Randle added 23 while Frank Jackson was the only other player in double-digits with 10.

The game was back and forth from start to finish. The Pelicans largest lead of 9 came during the third quarter, but the Mavs fought back quickly. Dallas got a chance to throw the final punch thanks to a great fourth quarter showing from Devin and J.J. that got us the lead late in the game.

One exciting game note from last night is that Luka Doncic was one rebound away from his first career triple-double. He was also one rebound away from being the youngest player in NBA history with a triple-double. The record is currently held by Lonzo Ball, who had his first career triple-double at 20 years and 15 days old. Before that it was LeBron James at 20 years and 20 days.

Luka has 28 games left before he turns 20 years old, meaning that if he gets a triple-double in any of the next 28 games, he will be the first teenager ever to achieve that feat in the NBA. He will have another 7 games after that to simply be the youngest in history with a triple-double. I like his chances of getting there, but crazier things have happened.

Luka finished the game with 21 points, 10 assists and 9 rebounds, plus 1 steal and only 1 turnover.

The Mavs will have their chance to prove this game wasn’t a fluke quickly as they travel to New Orleans for another game tomorrow, this one on the road. The two teams will face off again on December 28th at 7:00 central time. The game will be available to watch on NBATV.