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Tonight, the Mavericks lost to the Pelicans 88-85 in a game that wasn't televised, and thus, didn't exist.
... except that it did exist, sadly. Jae Crowder was the team's number one scoring option, going a Kobe-esque 6-of-15 from the field for 14 points. Gal Mekel played a fantastic 42 minutes, scoring 17 points on 13 shots, dishing eight assists and making some big plays down the stretch as the Mavericks improbably tried to make a comeback against the Pelicans fourth string.
Unfortunately, Ricky Ledo wasn't great despite playing 33 minutes, second most on the team. He had just nine points on 4-of-15 quick-trigger shooting. A couple games into the preseason, it seemed pretty clear Charlie Villanueva would make the team over Mekel, but that decision is getting increasingly hard to make -- especially with Felton's injury.
Again, like I said, the game wasn't televised. I loosely followed a radio stream, but it's a Thursday night in the preseason. Sorry if it didn't have my full attention.
What I can offer you is a rough timeline of tweets of people who actually were at the game, and yes, please pour a drink for these fine fellows who had to suffer through that monstrosity.
Baskeball is being set back decades in the first quarter at Bossier City, La. Less than 4 minutes left in the first and Mavs have 4 points.
— Eddie Sefko (@ESefko) October 24, 2014
The #Mavs were 4-of-16 on FGs in the 1st period, were outrebounded 14-8, and committed 8 turnovers. Tyrke Evans outscored the Mavs 11-10.
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) October 24, 2014
The Mavs bench reacts to @GalMekel33’s buzzer beater to end the half! #DALatNOP pic.twitter.com/NZbvoaowDP
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) October 24, 2014
Anthony Davis just completed a rare five-point play. He scored, missed the and-one free throw, got the rebound, scored and was fouled again.
— Eddie Sefko (@ESefko) October 24, 2014
Tech on Ivan Johnson with 2:46 left. #DALatNOP
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) October 24, 2014
Rick Carlisle is having some fun chatting with radio voices Chuck Cooperstein and Brad Davis, who have rare courtside seats next to bench.
— Eddie Sefko (@ESefko) October 24, 2014
That 3 by Ricky Ledo at the buzzer was right on target. I thought we had OT. But the #Mavs lost 88-85 to the #Pelicans.
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) October 24, 2014
Tomorrow is the FINAL preseason game against the Magic in Orlando and is supposed to be the dress rehearsal. The regular season is almost here, and I'm so happy.