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It was a thriller in Dallas tonight, as the Blazers and Mavs played another close one featuring some mega-runs, long bombs, and traded daggers. Unfortunately, the good guys came up short at the end of a dizzying final few minutes.
MCCOLLUM RUINS DIRK’S VINTAGE NIGHT
Dirk Nowitzki had taken on more of the “decoy” role lately, but after a slow start, the future Hall of Famer got it cooking in the second half, and nailed a pair of clutch threes late, both putting Dallas back in front. He finished with 25 points on 7-16 shooting, his first double-digit scoring night in five games, and his highest point total in almost a month. C.J. McCollum had every answer, however, and finished with a game-high 32.
WES AND BARNES ALSO DOING WORK
Dirk was one of three Mavs to score at least 23, with Wes Matthews and Harrison Barnes combining for 49 points. Unfortunately, Seth Curry had one of his rare off nights since being inserted into the starting lineup. He was held scoreless in the first quarter, left the game with an apparent injury, and was fairly ineffective after returning. He finished with just 4 points and was a game-low -16.
HOW WILL DALLAS RESPOND
After getting within shouting distance of the Nuggets and Blazers, the Mavs drop a game to each in back to back nights, missing an opportunity to really get back into the playoff chase. Still only two and a half games back, they’ll take on the Jazz Thursday, then go for three games against East teams(Orlando, Boston, Detroit) before heading into the All-Star Break. What will their record and their roster look like after that?