Mavs Moneyball - Gameday: Dallas Mavericks at Portland Trail BlazersRick Carlisle approved.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50869/mmb-fav.png2015-12-02T00:21:38-06:00http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/rss/stream/95924132015-12-02T00:21:38-06:002015-12-02T00:21:38-06:00Dallas storms back late in Portland, 115-112
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<figcaption>Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It was a bit of a rollercoaster, but it goes down as a win all the same.</p> <p>An overtime thriller in Portland ends with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a> victorious. <span>Deron Williams</span> leads the way with 30 points -- nine coming in the extra period -- and the Mavs advance to 11-8, keeping pace with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Memphis Grizzlies</a>.</p>
<p>Here are four things we learned:</p>
<h4><b>Another frustrating loss becomes a signature win?</b></h4>
<p>Dallas alternated looking terrific with looking utterly useless, almost all game long, and with 80 seconds left they found themselves down 96-89. To pull this one out has to feel pretty good. It's a cliche, but Dallas played with the kind of poise and grit we've hoped for but have not always seen from such an experienced group. They led early, and then after falling behind, battled back to lead going into the fourth quarter, but were a few makes away from losing five of their last six games. For one night, anyway, they were able to out-execute a younger team late.</p>
<h4><b>Starters earn their money</b></h4>
<p>With Barea still out and Parsons and McGee sitting on the second night of a back to back, the Dallas bench was a little thin. Still, it's pretty shocking to see a starting lineup outscore their backups 99-16. All four of the Mavs regular starters were outstanding: Deron's 30-8-6 line was his best in a Dallas uniform, and took over in OT, hitting a dagger three with under a minute left. Dirk added 28 points and several huge shots as well, including a game-tying tip in the final seconds of regulation. While we're covering all the big baskets, perhaps none were bigger than the pair of back-to-back threes Wes Matthews hit en route to 18 points that shrunk the Portland advantage from 10 to 4 with 4:30 left. Lastly but certainly not least, Zaza posted yet another double-double with a rock-solid 14 points and 21 rebounds.</p>
<h4><b>Streaky Mavs nearly shat the bed</b></h4>
<p>Prior to the Wes Matthews threes, Dallas had just one field goal make (on the first possession of the period) in the fourth quarter, spanning over seven minutes. The NBA is a sport of runs, but it is still strange to see this lineup go so cold after lighting things up early. When the jumpshots aren't falling, they really aren't falling.</p>
<h4><b>No "bow" but all heart for Matthews</b></h4>
<p>One of the storylines to watch Tuesday night was how Matthews would do in his return to Portland. Though he retired his "bow" move for one night, Matthews had the 3-ball working, and also led Dallas in plus/minus at +20. This was the type of performance Blazers fans undoubtedly have seen before and Mavs fans hope to see for years to come.</p>
<p>The victory saved, Dallas has some nice momentum heading into a division matchup Friday with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a>, who are reeling but still have more than enough talent to cause problems. The season rolls on.</p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2015/12/2/9833950/4-things-we-learned-as-dallas-steals-one-from-blazersIan_Miller2015-12-01T21:29:00-06:002015-12-01T21:29:00-06:00Dirk steals Wes' bow-and-arrow celebration
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<p>Look, I obviously don't have to tell you how awesome Dirk is. But after nailing a 3-pointer, in homage to <span>Wesley Matthews</span>, he grabbed an arrow and shot it into an unsuspecting Portland crowd. Seems unsafe, but that's neither here nor there. Whether Dirk did it because Matthews was making his return to the Moda Center, the first since his injury, or whether everyone will start doing the Bow & Arrow, we don't really know. But this is objectively awesome.</p>
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https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2015/12/1/9833484/dirk-steals-wesley-matthews-3-point-celebration-shoots-an-arrow-intoTim Cato2015-12-01T21:13:26-06:002015-12-01T21:13:26-06:00Portland gives Wesley Matthews a standing ovation
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<figcaption>Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Matthews deserves it.</p> <p>Well deserved. Hopefully Matthews can show up big for Dallas tonight.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-video" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Standing ovation for <a href="https://twitter.com/WessyWes23">@WessyWes23</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DALatPOR?src=hash">#DALatPOR</a> <a href="https://t.co/ROygFVXNsr">pic.twitter.com/ROygFVXNsr</a></p>
— Kris Koivisto (@KrisKoivisto) <a href="https://twitter.com/KrisKoivisto/status/671888766638821377">December 2, 2015</a>
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https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2015/12/1/9833444/portland-gives-wesley-matthews-a-standing-ovation-in-his-returnTim Cato2015-12-01T12:00:04-06:002015-12-01T12:00:04-06:00Mavs look to right ship as Wes returns to Portland
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After a disappointing loss last night, the Mavericks need a win to stay afloat in the West.</p> <p>Following a disappointing loss to the <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sacramento Kings</a>, Dallas will get back in the saddle again for the second night of a back-to-back against the <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Trail Blazers</a>, who were also defeated by double-digits late Monday. If the Mavs aren’t careful, they’ll quickly find themselves falling down in the standings, as teams start to shake off some early season rust. The West was unlikely to be so mediocre forever.</p>
<h4><strong>What did the Trail Blazers do over the summer? </strong></h4>
<p>Well, they lost 4/5ths of their starting lineup, so that’s something. After trading <span>Nicolas Batum</span> early in the offseason, <span>Wesley Matthews</span> and <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> departed and now the keys to the car rest in the pocket of <span>Damian Lillard</span>. Portland has promoted <span>C.J. McCollum</span> to the starting lineup -- replacing new Maverick Wes Matthews -- with good results.</p>
<h4><strong>What's the key matchup?</strong></h4>
<p>I mentioned him already, but in Matthews’ return to Portland I expect to see some extra gears from Wes, who already plays with a sizable chip on his shoulder. Assuming Dirk and Parsons (and probably <span>JaVale McGee</span>) sit this one out, Matthews will need to move that chip over and load a larger portion of the offense onto those shoulders, as well. Shooting well below his career average from three, this could be a good night for Wes to get on track and stay hot for a few weeks.</p>
<h4><strong>What key stat will determine the game? </strong></h4>
<p>Turnovers. Dallas has done fairly well taking care of the ball, but when the careless passes come the Mavs are woefully unprepared to stop opposing teams’ fast breaks, and for a rhythm offense every missed shot attempt hurts extra. The Mavs aren’t going to suddenly morph into a squad of athletes and rim-wreckers: they need to just play their game, move the rock and get good looks. For a shooting team that’s struggling, the only medicine is "more."</p>
<h4><strong>How to watch</strong></h4>
<p>FSSW at 9:00 CT, or on NBA League Pass via your streaming device of choice. Enjoy!</p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2015/12/1/9828112/dallas-mavericks-portland-trail-blazers-preview-wes-matthewsIan_Miller