The Dallas Mavericks (0-3) have a pitch black evening and go down at the home opening of the Houston Rockets (3-0) with 107:91 (BOXSCORE). Led by James Harden, the rockets break up the Mavs’ defenses according to all the rules of the art. Dirk Nowitzki disappointed, Maxi Kleber makes his NBA debut.
The first few minutes of the match made it clear what Mavericks will be facing this evening – and above all that Dallas will be beating James Harden and Co. will be extremely difficult. Against the small ball lineup of the Mavs with Dirk Nowitzki as centre and Harrison Barnes on the fourth, the rockets reacted with numerous drives to the basket. As Dallas lacked a real ring protector in this formation, Houston had an easy time there.
With an 11-0 run, the Rockets laid the foundation for their overall blowout win over Texas rivals in the first quarter. Dallas never really had a chance at any point. Houston was already at the end of the first section with 13 points in front, and 23 points at halftime. The hosts increased their lead to 36 points in the course of the game. Dallas was not able to find a rhythm and start his own races.
The game was therefore already decided at halftime, with James Harden as the most outstanding man. The shooting guard led his team to a well-deserved victory with 29 points and 7 assists (5 turnovers). Eric Gordon, starting for the injured Chris Paul, scored 18 points and Clint Capela added a double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds).
On the side of the Mavericks again Dennis Smith Jr. (swelling of the knee) and Devin Harris, who lost his brother in a car accident a few days ago, were missing. Without the two guards, nothing came together at all. Dirk Nowitzki caught a pitch black evening (2 points, 5 rebounds, 1/8 FG), Harrison Barnes scored 14 points, but needed 17 throws (5/17 FG). Only J. J. J. Barea fought back with 17 points (7/13 FG) and 5 rebounds. But that didn’t change Houston’s superiority. Maxi Kleber made his NBA debut in the garbage time and scored 5 points (2/3 FG), 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 steal in 12 minutes.
Rockets vs. Mavs: This way to the BOXSCORE!
James Harden. Of course,”The Beard” also knew how to take advantage of the weaknesses in the Mavs-Defense with irresistible drives to the basket. In contrast to his team mates, the 28-year-old was also running from downtown. Dallas found absolutely no cure for Harden that night.
Dirk Nowitzki. It is well known that the Defense is not necessarily the flagship of the German. If not, everyone knows at the latest after this party is informed. However, Nowitzki did not take any offensive action against Houston either. Although Dallas tried hard to get the big blonde into the offense early in the game, the throw simply didn’t want to fall. Dirk – as well as the whole team – just got the worm today.
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In addition to the obvious – and highly efficient – announcement of attacking the Mavericks’ zone aggressively, Rockets coach Mike D’ Antoni also found the right means against Dallas in the Defense. The hosts swapped every pick & roll of the Mavs, making life extremely difficult for Dallas. Often the Mavericks’ attempts to attack ended in one-on-ones and desperate throws. The rockets also collected 12 steals thanks to their aggressive defense.