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We all knew the Lakers' defense was bad, but this bad? No idea. The Mavericks brought back memories of Game 4 of the 2011 playoffs with another beatdown of Los Angeles. It was the fifth game this season where Dallas held a 30+ point lead. Dallas extended their winning streak to six games, their longest streak since February 2012. It was also Dallas' fifth win by 20 or more points this season.
Neither team seemed very interested in playing defense in the first half, as the Mavs and Lakers shot 59% and 55% from the floor, respectively. Dirk finished with 19 first half points, while Kobe had 11 on just 3-12 shooting from the floor. Dallas led 68-59 at the half, and it looked like if Dallas picked up the defensive effort, things would get out of hand.
That came to fruition in the third quarter, which saw Dallas outscore the Lakers 42-24 thanks in large part to 18 points from Monta Ellis, who claimed his first points-assists double-double of the season. He outshone everyone, including teammate Chandler Parsons, who had 15 third-quarter points of his own.
Jameer Nelson started off well, but was rather ineffective in the second half, constantly running under screens, and turning the ball over. J.J. Barea was more than capable in his place, and Nelson didn't see much time in the second half.
Really, this game was just highlight after highlight, and I'll refer you to Kirk's Vine account to recap the greatest parts. Here are some things you'll see: A Barea to Wright ally-oop, a Barea no-look pass to Aminu with a strong finish, and a Jae Crowder to Charlie V fast break ally-oop.
Dirk finished with 23 points in 21 minutes, on 8-10 shooting, while Parsons and Monta finished with 21 and 20 respectively.
Brandan Wright was a perfect 5-5 from the floor, finishing with 12 points, while J.J. Barea drilled five threes to finish with 16 points. The Mavs also had 37 assists on 51 field goals for the night.
All in all, eight Mavs scored in double figures, the second time that has happened this season, and Dallas cruised to their tenth win of the season, while emphatically handing L.A. their tenth loss.
Kobe finished with 17 points on just 6-22 shooting, while Jordan Hill recorded a 16 point, 10 rebound double-double.
Dallas turns around and visits the Houston Rockets tomorrow night, so it's excellent that all five Mavs starters had less than 30 minutes of playing time tonight.