Mavs Moneyball - Final: Dallas Mavericks 92, Houston Rockets 95Rick Carlisle approved.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50869/mmb-fav.png2014-11-22T21:58:05-06:00http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/rss/stream/70313642014-11-22T21:58:05-06:002014-11-22T21:58:05-06:00Houston outlasts Dallas 95-92
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Mavericks had a great second-half comeback, but the Houston Rockets ultimately prevailed, beating Dallas 95-92 and ending the Mavericks winning streak.</p> <p>This was not the game many of us expected to see. Despite facing a depleted Houston team, it took three rough quarters for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavericks</a> offense to really get going, but even a strong comeback in the fourth quarter wasn't quite enough after three quarters of poor shooting (just 40 percent overall and 17 percent from three, with <span>Dirk Nowitzki</span> and Chandler Parsons combining for 0-13 from deep) and porous defense. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a> took this one 95-92.</p>
<p>The game opened with quick back-to-back threes from <span>Jameer Nelson</span> and <span>Patrick Beverley</span>, setting the tone for the first half of the game, a fast-paced two quarters which saw Mavs guards other than Nelson struggle from the floor and Patrick Beverley set a career high in made threes.</p>
<p>The Mavericks were no doubt hoping to take advantage of the Rockets' depleted front court (both <span>Terrence Jones</span> and <span>Dwight Howard</span> missed the game with injuries), but their perimeter defense was once again a problem early on. Houston leads the league in three-point attempts per game, but they really outdid themselves tonight, taking 25 in the first half alone. Unfortunately for the Mavs, they connected on 52 percent of them, far above their average so far this season. Patrick Beverley sat a career record before the end of the second quarter with five made threes, and <span>James Harden</span> seemed to have broken out of his long-distance slump.</p>
<p>Things looked a little better in the paint. On offense, Dallas was able to take some advantage of the mismatch in the post during the first half. The Rockets were forced to use the 6'10" <span>Tarik Black</span> at center, and both <span>Tyson Chandler</span> (11 points) and <span>Brandan Wright</span> (8 points) scored well, but couldn't compensate for the poor performance from the guards, including <span>Chandler Parsons</span> who struggled both offensively and defensively against his old team.</p>
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<p>Extra shout out to Chandler Parsons, for watching Brandan Wright leave dorsey to cover Harden, then watching dorsey put back dunk.</p>
— Kirk (@KirkSeriousFace) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirkSeriousFace/status/536331543137239040">November 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Still, despite the Rockets strong first half, the Mavs were only down nine going into the half. Jameer Nelson was an unlikely hero of the first half, scoring 11 points on 3-4 shooting from three to help keep Dallas in the game.</p>
<p>And in case you forget that the Rockets and Mavericks have a real rivalry going: the first half saw enthusiastic booing for Chandler Parsons, a pretty spectacular delay of game call after <span>Rick Carlisle</span> reached in to grab the ball from <span>Jason Terry</span> before it went out of bounds, and double technicals on Tyson Chandler and James Harden.</p>
<p>Patrick Beverley opened the second half with yet another three, while the Mavs struggled before Dirk, who had a pretty quiet game, finally connected on a jumper three minutes into the quarter. Things got only got worse over the course of the period, despite Houston's three-point shooting coming back down to earth. The Rockets expanded the lead to 17 before the Mavericks' backcourt finally came to life, going on a short run that closed the gap to nine by the end of the third quarter.</p>
<p>Third quarter rivalry update: there were no technical called during this quarter, but just to keep things interesting, <span>Monta Ellis</span> and Patrick Beverley had to be separated by their teammates at one point.</p>
<p>Dallas opened the fourth with a shot-clock violation (the thirteenth turnover of the night for a team that's normally best in the league at protecting the ball) but managed to continue a run that put them within four. The Mavericks' defense also started to tighten up (Houston's three-point shooting fell to just 33 percent by the end of the game), and for the next few minutes the two teams traded buckets, until Beverley missed a wide-open lay-up on an inbound play almost halfway through the quarter. The Mavs rebounded and and a Tyson Chandler dunk put the Mavericks within one. The Mavs were unable to capitalize on a two successive Rockets turnovers until Black fouled <span>Devin Harris</span> and sent him to the line for three. Harris sunk them all for a two-point lead.</p>
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<p>The Mavericks expanded and maintained their small lead for most of the quarter, but Harden made two free throws with under a minute left that brought the Rockets within two. An Ellis miss with 35 seconds left was rebounded by the Rockets, and because James Harden is James Harden, he got the and-one to put the Rockets up one with under 30 seconds left.</p>
<p>Houston's tight defense on the inbound play following Dallas' timeout resulted in a series of wild passes that culiminated in a <span>Trevor Ariza</span> a steal. Ariza was immediately fouled and made both free throws, giving the Rockets a three-point lead with seconds remaining.</p>
<p>Dirk missed three on the next possession, but the Rockets tipped the ball out of bounds. Monta Ellis got a good look on a long three, but couldn't connect. Rockets win, 95-92.</p>
<p>Dallas now heads home to face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a> at the AAC on Monday.</p>
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https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/11/22/7269717/dallas-mavericks-houston-rockets-recapKate Crawford2014-11-22T19:48:28-06:002014-11-22T19:48:28-06:00Wright dunks off drive from three point line!<iframe class="vine-embed" src="https://vine.co/v/O1zDB3jMxQ2/embed/simple" width="600" height="600"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>A broken inbounds play results in Wright with a highlight</p></p></div>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/11/22/7269493/wright-dunks-off-drive-from-three-point-lineKirk Henderson2014-11-22T19:26:26-06:002014-11-22T19:26:26-06:00Chandler Parsons with shot fake, drive, dunk<iframe class="vine-embed" src="https://vine.co/v/O1zrale5Jw6/embed/simple" width="600" height="600"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Great move from our young forward</p></p></div>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/11/22/7269431/chandler-parsons-with-shot-fake-drive-dunkKirk Henderson2014-11-22T14:21:47-06:002014-11-22T14:21:47-06:00Injury Report: Dwight Howard out, Harris active
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Mavericks have the injury edge Saturday.</p> <p><b>UPDATE: Dwight Howard is out and Devin Harris is active, as expected.</b></p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a> look like they'll have an advantage Saturday night when they face the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rockets</a> for the first time this season in Houston. There's a strong possibility that <span>Dwight Howard</span>, who has been dealing with strained right knee, will miss the game.</p>
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<p>Howard would not put a timetable on how long he'd be out. Said "we'll see how it feels tomorrow." Still, Rockets talking as if he's out Sat.</p>
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/535893508347789312">November 21, 2014</a>
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<p>For the Mavericks, the team's hoping to get <span>Devin Harris</span> back, who's listed day to day with leg soreness. Harris has missed the past two games, although the Mavericks notched two wins anyway.</p>
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<p><span>Rick Carlisle</span> on Devin Harris: "He’s been checked out pretty extensively ... We’re hoping to get him back for (Saturday)."</p>
— Eddie Sefko (@ESefko) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESefko/status/535949183002226688">November 22, 2014</a>
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<p>Houston will still be missing forward Terrance Jones with a leg injury that may keep him out several more weeks.</p>
<p>We'll update this post when we hear official news on either team.</p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/11/22/7268417/injury-update-devin-harris-should-return-dwight-howard-likely-outTim Cato2014-11-22T11:00:03-06:002014-11-22T11:00:03-06:00Talking Rockets with The Dream Shake
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<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Ethan Rothstein from The Dream Shake shares some candid thoughts on Chandler Parsons and talks about the Rockets' improved defense and early-season offensive woes.</p> <h5>The <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rockets</a> defensive turn-around this year has been pretty remarkable. Even in what was arguably Houston's toughest match-up (the loss to Golden State), you guy managed to hold a very good offense to under 100 points. Where did that come from? Has there been a shift in strategy around team defense? Or if it's just effort, do you have any sense of what inspired that? Was it <span>James Harden's</span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6gOtkwYbao" target="_blank">Foot Locker commercial</a>?</h5>
<p>James Harden has certainly increased his effort, and that's part of it. <span>Dwight Howard</span> is much, much healthier this year, and he's been among the best rim protectors and rebounders in the league again, which is a huge part of it as well. Likely the biggest difference is the addition of <span>Trevor Ariza</span>. Replacing <span>Chandler Parsons</span> -- who significantly regressed defensively since a competent rookie showing -- with one of the league's very best perimeter defenders has done wonders. Last year, Parsons and Harden combined to let wings roam free. This year, Harden can be placed on the least dangerous guy, and with Ariza, Beverley and Howard we have a top-three positional defender at three positions on the floor.</p>
<h5>On the other end of the court, though, things do seem like they've been a little rocky. But you recently made <a href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/2014/11/20/7253025/everyone-shut-up-you-guys" target="_blank">a persuasive case</a> that it's too early to panic about this. Can you tell our readers a little more about what hasn't been clicking and why you're optimistic that'll change?</h5>
<p>The shooting has been crazy streaky, but that's too be expected when a team is on pace to shatter the three-point attempts records. What's hurt most are the injuries: Dwight Howard has missed a few games and looks like he'll be out against the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a>. <span>Terrence Jones</span> has been out with a nerve issue. Considering our big man depth was the team's biggest weakness, we knew injuries had the chance to slow the team down. That being said, the injuries aren't season-threatening, and Terrence Jones has the best plus-minus on the team. No one has even come close to beating the Rockets when they've been at full strength.</p>
<h5>The Rockets' marquee players are already familiar to most basketball fans, and despite Harden having some trouble hitting threes, both he and Dwight Howard seem to be having very productive years so far. But y'all also have quite a few new faces getting decent minutes, including vets Trevor Ariza and <span>Jason Terry</span> and rookie Kostas Papanikolaou. Can you talk a little bit about how these guys are fitting in on the team and what you expect from them this year?</h5>
<p>Terry has been doing what everyone's expected: streaky bench shooting and not much else, although he's been slightly better than I expected because he looked done last year. Ariza has been spectacular, although he's hit a cold shooting streak. He's the perfect guy for our small forward spot. Big Papa has been found money. He reminds a lot of young <span>Hedo Turkoglu</span>: he's a decent outside shooter, although that's looked better and better, he's a great bench ballhandler and creator and no one initiates the offense like him on the team outside of Harden. He's filled in adequately as a stretch 4 but needs to add strength if he's going to do that defensively in the playoffs.</p>
<h5>Some Mavericks fans are a little worried (prematurely, I think) about Chandler Parsons' performance this year. Have you been watching him this season? What's your impression so far? Do you have an early #hottake on which team got the better deal, or do you think this will end up working out well for both teams?</h5>
<p>Rockets fans early on were miffed at Parsons, but we feel strongly we lucked out. That contract was insane at the time, and it's still insane. He just never showed the ability to carry a team for any short stretches, let alone minutes at a time. At $15 million per season, you would hope for some propensity to do that. I haven't been watching that closely, admittedly, but he seemed to plateau for the Rockets last year. He is what he is: a league average three-point shooter with good size and athleticism who never uses it on defense and thinks he's better than he is. Plus he shoots most of his three-pointers from the wings, where he's statistically TERRIBLE from (look it up, it's bad).</p>
<h5>This game certainly has a sort of unstoppable force/immoveable object feel to it, with the best offense in the league facing off against the top defense (though things will obviously be different if Dwight Howard sits this one out). Are there any match-ups in particular you're looking forward to?</h5>
<p>I am not looking forward to watching Dirk and <span>Tyson Chandler</span> manhandle the Rockets bench big men. That will be ugly and will likely decide the game. What I am looking forward to is the Monta Ellis-Patrick Beverley matchup, if we get it. Monta is to offense what Bev is to defense: talented, scrappy, and an IDGAF attitude. That should be oodles of fun</p>
<h5>Do you have an all-time favorite Harden pre-game outfit? Mine has to be <a target="_blank" href="http://jocksandstilettojill.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Cowboy-Harden.png">this cowboy hat</a>.</h5>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/2014/11/19/7252323/what-is-james-harden-wearing">The sweater</a> he wore in the last game was insane. Just... what is it? It's not a pregame outfit, but <a target="_blank" href="http://cdn.na16.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/james-harden-livin-large-300x300.jpg">this picture</a> is one of my favorite outfits anyone has worn in any situation. That the situation is basically the most baller shit ever only adds to it</p>
<p><i>Thanks, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ethanrothstein">Ethan</a>! Visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/">The Dream Shake</a> for more Houston Rockets coverage.</i></p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/11/22/7263291/talking-houston-rockets-with-the-dream-shakeKate Crawford2014-11-22T09:10:02-06:002014-11-22T09:10:02-06:00Mavs at Rockets preview: Offense vs.defense
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<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Tonight in Houston, the Mavericks' league-best offense will meet Houston's number one defense. Who'll come out on top?</p> <p>Tonight's game in Houston will see <span>Chandler Parsons</span> face his old team for the first time in the regular season, as Dallas' league-leading offense takes on the Houston's number one defense. On the other end of the court, Dallas' defense has been slowly improving over the last few games, while the Rockets' offense continues to struggle, hampered by a depleted frontcourt lineup (and lots of turnovers). Let's hope these trends hold up on the second night of a back-to-back for the Mavs.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rockets</a>' offseason moves are <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/10/1/6877601/division-preview-the-houston-rockets-strange-summer-heats-up-rivalry">well documented</a> by this site, so let's dive right into what they've done since the season started.</p>
<h4>What have the Rockets done lately?</h4>
<p>Houston opened the week at the top of most power rankings, ceding the number one slot only to the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Warriors</a> on any of the major lists. On Monday their record was an impressive 9-1, with their only loss coming at the hands of Golden State, whose impressive offense they managed to hold to fewer than 100 points. But since then, they've dropped games to Memphis (understandable) and the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lakers</a> (less understandable, even with <span>Dwight Howard</span> missing the game thanks to a sore knee), falling to 9-3.</p>
<p>These losses come on the heels of very narrow wins over the NBA's junior varsity team from Philadelphia and the almost unrecognizably depleted <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Thunder</a>. The Rockets now have the fourth-best record in the Western Conference, but their 9-3 record is thanks in part to a pretty weak schedule, with two of their 12 games played against the Sixers. They've also suffered from a few injuries to their frontcourt, with Dwight Howard missing two games and <span>Terrence Jones</span> out indefinitely with a knee injury.</p>
<h4>What might surprise you about Houston?</h4>
<p>This won't come as much of a surprise if you've been watching the Rockets this season, but if tonight's game will be your first, you may be shocked at how the balance between offense and defense has shifted. Last year, the Rockets ended the season with the fourth best offense and 12<sup>th</sup> best defense, but going into tonight's game, they're leading the league in defensive efficiency but playing quite poorly on offense. They're 22<sup>nd</sup> in points per possession with only so-so shooting, hampered by their tendency to turn the ball over more than 17 times per game despite playing at a middle-of-the-pack pace. Their strategy hasn't changed: Houston once again leads the league in three-point attempts, but so far they aren't making them at the rate they were last year.</p>
<p>Still, it's early in the season and there's plenty of time for <span>James Harden</span> to shoot his way out of his three-point slump and the Rockets to pull it together. The Dream Shake offers up a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/2014/11/20/7253025/everyone-shut-up-you-guys">good argument</a> that it's too early to write them off. If this is just a temporary downturn, then Dallas (and the rest of the West) is rather unlucky that it occurred during such a light segment of Houston's schedule.</p>
<h4>What's the biggest match-up to watch?</h4>
<p>Chandler Parsons versus <span>Trevor Ariza</span> on the wing will be fun, because everyone loves offseason drama, but the most exciting match-up on the floor would be <span>Tyson Chandler</span> and Dwight Howard. Howard missed Wednesday's game with a sore knee and is currently listed as questionable for tonight's game, but for the sake of awesome basketball, we should hope he's up to playing this evening. These guys are two of the best centers in the league, both top ten in rebounds, blocks, and field goal percentage. It'll be a shame if we don't get to see them battle it out.</p>
<p>On the perimeter, <span>Monta Ellis</span> and Patrick Beverly are basically Rockets versus Mavs in a nutshell: on nights when Monta's having it all, he can be tough to stop on offense, while Beverley is one of the scrappiest defensive guards in the league. If they match up, it should be fun to watch.</p>
<h4>Who might be due for a big-game?</h4>
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<p>After watching <span>J.J. Barea</span> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/11/20/7252237/the-aftermath-of-mavericks-105-wizards-102-too-much-jose-juan">light up the Wizards </a>on Wednesday, I'm swearing off single-player, single-game predictions for good. Leave your guesses in the comments if you're feeling bold, though!</p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/11/22/7263103/dallas-mavericks-houston-rockets-game-previewKate Crawford