The Dallas Mavericks lost the first game of their China trip without the injured Dirk Nowitzki. After a brilliant start by Dennis Smith Jr., JJ Redick shot the Philadelphia 76ers to victory.
In addition to Dirk Nowitzki, Rick Carlisle also had to do without Harrison Barnes (knee injury) and newcomer DeAndre Jordan (personal reasons) in the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai. Mavs coach Smith, Wesley Matthews, Luca Doncic, Dorian Finley-Smith and Dwight Powell were all sent onto the stage. On the opposite side the Sixers started with the usual five with Markelle Fultz on the two.
The Mavericks got the better start: Smith Jr. (20 points, 5 assists) came well into the game and showed a strong arsenal in the offensive. He hit from downtown, the middle range and by basketball. In the first quarter he already had 15 points on his account (7/8 throws), but cooled down considerably in the course of the match.
At the same time, the Sixers had problems in the final, but got better in the second quarter. However, not led by Embiid (22 points, 10 boards) or Simmons (9, 9, 10 assists), but rookie Landry Shamet and especially veteran JJ Redick. Shamet (18 points, 6/11 throws) scored 5 of his 7 throws in the first half, while Redick (28 points, 7/7 threes) took a perfect day and brought the Sixers into the lead with a four-point game just before the half.
Previously Maxi Kleber (17 points, 4 blocks) held against it on the Mavericks side. The man from Würzburg scored well from the distance (2/5), from the free-throw line (7/8) and provided a highlight of the afternoon with a block against Embiid.
After the break, both teams hit in step, but Embiid picked up speed during the third quarter. The Big Man raged under the basket and hit four out of five throws. Redick also remained hot and chased two more triads through the cage under the eyes of NBA legends Yao Ming, Julius Erving and Dikembe Mutombo.
Mavericks disappointed rookie Doncic. He had trouble getting to the basket, took some wild threes and afforded four turnovers. The Sixers sent their bench onto the field early, the Mavs shortened it again, but a tip-in from Amir Johnson secured Philly his third preseason win.
On Monday both teams will meet for the 26th China Game. DAZN broadcasts the game from 14 o’clock.