With the Arron Afflalo dagger, the Mavs fell from their lead at the buzzer to lose the game. A significant factor to this loss can be contributed to Dirk's missed free throw with less than a minute to play. No defensive presence by Dallas, as well as Denver, albeit not as bad as Dallas, can also be cited as a loss. These are the losses that are biting the Mavericks in their behind, and the team needs to find a way to close games out so that they will be able to survive in the playoffs, if they make it there.
Dallas is now 1-1 at Denver, but 1-2 vs them in the season series. This is also the first time Dallas violates Lawler's Law, which states the first team to 100 wins (Current rate of this being correct is at 94%). Dallas had a horrendous 1st quarter, finding themselves down by 13, but by the 2nd quarter, they were only down by 1. At the end of the 3rd quarter, they lead by 4, but that lead was lost and it ended as it was by halftime: losing by 1.
Peja Stojakovic and DeShawn Stevenson: was not their day for starting, especially for Peja. Once replaced by Shawn Marion, the Mavericks made a run to catch up to the Nuggets. Only 2 points and 1 rebound in 9 minutes, very low levels of production. Stevenson had 0 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist. Not very convincing that they want to keep on playing.
Dirk: he did good, in a way, but he cursed the team by missing that sweet, sweet free throw. He shot 50% from the field, which is good. However, he missed all 3 of his three point attempts. He did get 8 rebounds, though, which indicates Dirk is doing a more active job in the post.
The bench warmers heroes: Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, and J.J Barea. The were firing like this game was deciding the fate of the Mavs. Terry was just crazy behind the 3 point arc, making 6 of 8 of them. All three shot 50% of their shots.
Brendan "Mr.Overpaid" Haywood: Did make 50% of his shots, but only 2 of 4. Missed his only free throw of the game. Only 1 rebound. In ten minutes. For a center. Going against a smaller Chris Anderson. Not exactly exciting t wanted Overpaid down low.
- The Mavs' ten game win streak is finally finished, with this loss at Denver. The Mavs had now had 2 double digit in streaks in this season, only intervened with Dirk getting injured.
- Oddly enough, if Carmelo would of shot the ball, it would have led to a miss more than the win. Evidence is the 102-101 win over Denver in the same situation (With Carmelo in the game).
- The Mavs are 20-8 against the Western Conference, with the losses coming from San Antonio, Memphis, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, and Denver.
- The rookie, Dominique Jones, will no longer play in the regular season, since he has an injury in his ankle that will take 10 weeks to heal.