NBA: Mavs victory in D. C.

Defeat series over. The Dallas Mavericks win at the Washington Wizards thanks to Dennis Smith Jr. Kristaps Porzingis continues to be enthusiastic about the New York Knicks, while Nikola Jokic is releasing a new career high. The Oklahoma City Thunder, on the other hand, embarrass themselves at the Sacramento Kings.

The Pelicans scored 75 points in the first half of the match, but the visitors still managed to win this game. Previously, only three teams had managed to do so in the league’s history. As a bonus, the first positive result in more than three years was celebrated. New Orleans was once again able to rely on his two bigs, who had clear advantages over the Pacers’ thin frontcourt rotation.

The Pacers already led the pause with 14 points, but led by Anthony Davis (37 points, 14/18 FG, 14 rebounds) and DeMarcus Cousins (32 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists) the Pels fought their way back into the game and went into the match after a strong third quarter (35:19) with a lead in the last twelve minutes.

Jrue Holiday (10) was sent to the line by the Pacers at 114:112 20 seconds before the end and the Point Guard showed nerves and missed the second attempt. But the rebound landed at Davis and Holiday went back to the line. Again the playmaker forgiven the second freebie, but again the Pacers could not collect the rebound and Boogie decided by tip-in the game.

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New Orleans even got a push from the bank this time. 29 points went to the reservists. Jameer Nelson (10) and Darius Miller (12) were responsible for the lion’s share. The scoring at the Pacers, on the other hand, was spread over many shoulders. Myles Turner scored 21 points and 12 rebounds, plus six other players scored at least 9 points. For Victor Oladipo, however, 15 points (6/17 FG) were rather disappointing. Lance Stepenson, on the other hand, made his best game of the season and scored 14 points and 8 rebounds.

After six defeats in a row, the Mavericks were once again able to achieve a sense of achievement. Washington remains a favourite opponent of the Texans. 14 of the past 15 duels went to the team of Dirk Nowitzki. The German player didn’t play a big role today, however, and was content with 6 points and 5 rebounds. Salah Mejri got 25 minutes of running time and used it for 10 counters, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks.

Dallas had the game under control for a long time and scored 64 points at the interval, more than ever before this season. However, the Wizards responded with a 14-0 run, also thanks to John Wall (23 points, 5/10 FG, 13/18 FT, 14 assists), who had returned after his shoulder injury. Nine minutes before the end everything was open (90:88), but the Mavs countered this with their own 15:5 run.

The Mavs had an answer to Wall and it was Dennis Smith. The rookie made his best game and thrilled the spectators with great actions, including a furious dark in transition. 22 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists rounded off his performance. Harrison Barnes was the best scorer of the game with 31 points (11/18 FG) and 9 rebounds, with Wesley Matthews (14) scoring four threesomes. Maxi adhesive was again not used.

Washington, on the other hand, was disappointed and lost unnecessarily after defeats against the Lakers and Suns. During the rebound, the capitals had big problems (53:39 per Mavs) and apart from the backcourt around Wall and Bradley Beal (23) there was not much going on. Otto Porter (13) was the only wizard who scored double-digit points.

The Knicks are really fun. Like the Indiana Pacers, the New Yorkers caught up with a backlog to win again in a thrilling final phase. Kristaps Porzingis (28) played a strong first half and then went on to dive. In the crunchtime, however, the Latvian was back again and scuttled his fourth threesome of the evening for the hosts to lead. The Garden was shaking.

Previously, it was Tim Hardaway (19) and Doug McDermott (20) who had brought the Knickerbockers back into striking distance. Even the last minute was a tough one. Charlotte shortened to a point and Porzingis raised again by finger roll with the siren 11 seconds before the end. So the Hornets still had a chance, but Malik Monk missed from downtown. The rebound was with the guests, but Kemba Walker was so pressured in the corner that the point guard lost the ball. Courtney Lee (6) brought the game home from the line.

The Knicks could rely on their strikes in this game. 60 percent of the attempts found their target and also from outside, with twelve goals in 25 attempts. Charlotte dominated the other side of the board and grabbed 17 offense rebounds. Alone Cody Zeller snatched seven of them.

Dwight Howard was also active under the basket. For him 21 points (9/11 FG, 3/3 FT) and 9 rebounds were written to him. The same yield at points was recorded for Kemba Walker and Rookie Monk.

Page 1: Porzingis makes the garden tremble – Pelicans bring positive balance

Page 2: Portis makes a strong comeback – New Career High for Jokic

Page 3: Thunder stumble in Sacramento – Sixers win more