Stats rundown: 3 numbers to know after the Mavericks take down the Pelicans, 143-130

The Dallas Mavericks returned to action to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 143-130, pushing the team’s win streak to four games. Slowly, but surely, the Mavericks are starting to resemble what we thought this team would be, though tonight might just be an offensive anomaly when it’s all said and done. The Mavericks’ offense smoldered early before catching fire in the second half.

Here are some numbers to take away from the win:

25: The number of threes the Mavericks made

It’s a franchise record per Mavericks PR, and it felt like a huge sigh of relief after Dallas has mostly been underwhelming from long range for most of the season. Kristaps Porzingis got the party started with four made threes early, and the team caught the bug as the Mavericks connected on 55.6 percent from deep. Most notably, Porzingis was 8-of-13, Luka Doncic 5-of-8, and Dorian Finney-Smith was 4-of-5.

82: The combined number of points scored by Doncic and Porzingis

Doncic led the way with a career-high 46 points while Porzingis contributed 36. Porzingis set the tone for the game scoring 15 points in the opening frame, and Doncic tore apart the Pelicans defense with an array of finishes around the basket, mid-range jumpers, and perfectly timed triples. The duo was highly efficient as well connecting on 59 percent of their attempts. I’ll go out on a limb and say the Mavericks will win a lot of games if those two combine for 80-plus points.

1: The number of field goals Zion Williamson MISSED

That’s just a silly stat by a special player who attempted 15 shots in 37 minutes. Williamson’s touch around the rim is borderline cheating. It’s like the ball and bottom of the basket have a magnetic connection. The Mavericks seemed to play Williamson well last season, but the team had no answer for the second-year forward tonight. His perfect blend of explosion, athleticism, and grace was on full display. Also, this shot chart is hilarious:

Here’s the postgame podcast, Mavs Moneyball After Dark. If you can’t see the embed below “More from Mavs Moneyball”, click here. And if you haven’t yet, subscribe by searching “Mavs Moneyball podcast” into your favorite podcast app.