What a drama in Texas! In the closing seconds, Dallas Mavericks (1-6) lost his nerves, Dirk Nowitzki and Co. will lose to the Philadelphia 76ers (2-4) with 110:112 (BOXSCORE) after an exciting and even match. Despite the Mavs’ rain of three rains and an outstanding sixers duo, the game is decided on the free-throw line.
The beginning of the game was marked by light and shadow for the Mavericks. Though it went very well from downtown, the same was true for the Sixers. They scored extremely efficiently in the zone, scoring three by three. Philadelphia, for example, set itself apart with a 16:4 run, dropping to 13 points in the meantime.
However, Dallas was not really impressed by it. In the second section, they started thanks to improved defense and the strong bank around J. J. Barea (15 points, 3/6 threesomes) and Yogi Ferrell (17 points, 2 assists, 2 steals) the comeback. The Mavs also benefited from Ben Simmons’ foul problems, who spent most of the second quarter on the bank.
In half past two it went back and forth. For the 11th time Dallas took the lead with the help of two threesomes from Dirk Nowitzki (11 points, 5 assists, 2 blocks), then Philly answered with a run. Only four minutes before the end of the race the Sixers were able to set themselves apart with an 8:0 run. However, the decision was still not made. Dallas fought back again, and Harrison Barnes (25 points) even scored down to 1 point 9 seconds before the end. And after Jerryd Bayless threw a free-throw, Ferrell also had the opportunity to equalize from the Charity Stripe. However, the young backup guard couldn’t use it – both free throws landed on the ring and Philly had the win for sure.
The guests had to thank the duo Simmons and Joel Embiid for that. The Sixers Center contributed 23.9 rebounds and 4 assists (but also 7 turnovers), while Simmons also scored 23 points, distributed 8 assists and collected 7 rebounds. Also T. J. McConnell (15 points, 8 assists) and Dario Saric (12 points, 4/7 threesomes) played well. On the Mavericks’ side, Wesley Matthews (19 points, 3/5 threesomes) was strong in addition to Barnes and the reservists. Dennis Smith, Jr. came to 12 points (5/12 FG), 8 assists and 6 turnovers. Maxi adhesive was not used.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers: This way to the BOXSCORE!
Ben Simmons. The rookie continued his strong start to the season against the Mavs. Although Simmons didn’t pose any danger from a distance (not a single downtown attempt), Simmons found his way to the basket almost always and could not be stopped by the Mavs’ defence. With 10 out of 15 converted field goals, the 21-year-old was also extremely efficient.
Nerlens Noel. Despite great anticipation to finally be able to compete against his old team, Noel could not convince. Defensively, he found no remedy for the numerous attacks of the Sixers and the busy Embiid. The center was also not a factor at the other end of the court. All in all, his statline was quite meager with 4 points, 4 rebounds and 2 ball losses in 20 minutes.
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Even without the noble shooter J. J. J. exposing himself to back problems. Redick relied on Sixers Coach Brett Brown’s gameplay principle, which is mainly known from the rockets: layups or threesomes, there was no other option for Philly. Especially in the first quarter the Sixers played this game almost to perfection. Of their 32 points, Philadelphia scored 15 from downtown (5/9 threesomes) and 14 directly in the Zone. The remaining 2 points came from the free-throw line. Simmons, Embiid and Co. the missing ring protector on the Mavs side with the help of their own spacings. All in all, the guests were able to score 44 points in the zone (DAL: 34) in addition to their 16 converted threesomes.