Mavs Sting Hornets in Charlotte
With a much needed bounce-back win, the Mavericks keep their two-game limit on losing streaks alive for the season. Looked like an entirely different team than the one that played the night before. That's a good thing.
Game Story
Luka and Powell were still out, and KP took the night off for load management purposes. The starting lineup was Brunson/THJ/DFS/KP/WCS.
Both sides came out flat, combining to miss three of their first seventeen shots. The Mavs woke up at some point and went on to hold the Hornets to 10 points in the period -- a season low for points allowed in a quarter. Dallas, fueled by a 12-point frame from Seth, had 31.
They maintained their lead through the half, and increased it by eight in the third. Our boys had a game-high 31-point margin early in the fourth, but Devonte Graham came alive and led the Hornets to a 35-22 advantage in the period. The Mavericks had enough of a cushion to survive comfortably.
The Hornets never led, and the game was pretty much of a laugher throughout.
Analytics
This game was won on the basis of Dallas' fiery three-point shooting. They had 17 treys, and were 49% from downtown. They ended up +18 on points from threes, -2 on made free throws, and dead even on points from twos. The possession game was essentially a wash, with the Mavs having an 8-board edge in offensive rebounds, and the Hornets with the advantage in points off turnovers (19-12) and fast breaks (16-9).
The Mavs showed out surprisingly well on defense, especially in the first quarter, and executed their ball-movement offense beautifully, with 29 of their 44 made baskets assisted. They were also 11-11 from the line.
Players
Seth (28 min) was amazing. He led the team in scoring for the second game in a row, with 26 points off the bench. Those included six threes, and he was 10-14 from the field. Just for good measure, he added 6 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, and a block to his box score line. Playing in his home town arena, with Mom and Dad in attendance, the nimble guard put on a fireworks display. At one point in the game, he was 10-10, including a remarkable shot from the logo. He also had the Play of the Day, which was a looong downcourt pass in traffic to WCS for a dunk. Thrilling to see him have such a great night.
Carlisle emphasized how important Seth has been to the team this season. He is not only a shooter, but also a driver, playmaker, and underrated defender -- truly a special player, all per the coach. To put a cherry on top, Seth's flaming night resulted in his becoming the league's most accurate active career 3-point shooter, passing one Steph Curry for the honor. Congrats, Seth, you did us proud!
WCS (25 min) had his best game as a Maverick, recording 15 points, 10 boards, and 2 blocks, and earning a game-high +25 in the +/- column. It looked like he is coming along well in picking up the Mavs' system and understanding what the team needs from him.
If there has been a knock on Willie around the league, it has been a question of whether he really has the motor to be an impactful NBA player. Ceballos speculated that WCS might be more motivated to run hard and get down the floor in Dallas than he used to be in his Sacramento days, because here, the guards actually pass to him when he rolls. Indeed, he completed a number of those plays, accelerating to the basket and going a perfect 7-7 from the field. He had some flashy dunks, which are always exciting, but I was even more impressed with a kick-out to THJ for a three. Playmaker!
It's just one night, but if Trill can play like this on any kind of consistent basis, that would be big for Dallas. Let's keep an eye on it.
In the honorable mention department, THJ had 14 points and 5 assists. Bobi put up 11 points and 6 rebounds in 13 minutes, and it is always a hoot to see him execute his signature standstill dunk while gazing blandly at the guy trying to guard him.
Hornets. Graham led the team with 26 points and 10 assists, and kept the Mavs humble in the fourth. This Charlotte team does not look very good, tbh.
Remarks
Carlisle was pleased with his team's performance, especially after the previous night's clunker. He labeled the defense "terrific," especially in the first period. The squad played "the right way," and with "great effort."
There aren't many bones to pick in this one. It was encouraging to see the group resume its usual road mentality, especially with both Luka and KP out. I like it.
Next. The Mavs face Utah at the AAC on Monday. That promises to be more of a test. Rick said they hope that Luka will be able to play in that game or the next, but no promises.
Go Mavs!
With a much needed bounce-back win, the Mavericks keep their two-game limit on losing streaks alive for the season. Looked like an entirely different team than the one that played the night before. That's a good thing.
Game Story
Luka and Powell were still out, and KP took the night off for load management purposes. The starting lineup was Brunson/THJ/DFS/KP/WCS.
Both sides came out flat, combining to miss three of their first seventeen shots. The Mavs woke up at some point and went on to hold the Hornets to 10 points in the period -- a season low for points allowed in a quarter. Dallas, fueled by a 12-point frame from Seth, had 31.
They maintained their lead through the half, and increased it by eight in the third. Our boys had a game-high 31-point margin early in the fourth, but Devonte Graham came alive and led the Hornets to a 35-22 advantage in the period. The Mavericks had enough of a cushion to survive comfortably.
The Hornets never led, and the game was pretty much of a laugher throughout.
Analytics
This game was won on the basis of Dallas' fiery three-point shooting. They had 17 treys, and were 49% from downtown. They ended up +18 on points from threes, -2 on made free throws, and dead even on points from twos. The possession game was essentially a wash, with the Mavs having an 8-board edge in offensive rebounds, and the Hornets with the advantage in points off turnovers (19-12) and fast breaks (16-9).
The Mavs showed out surprisingly well on defense, especially in the first quarter, and executed their ball-movement offense beautifully, with 29 of their 44 made baskets assisted. They were also 11-11 from the line.
Players
Seth (28 min) was amazing. He led the team in scoring for the second game in a row, with 26 points off the bench. Those included six threes, and he was 10-14 from the field. Just for good measure, he added 6 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, and a block to his box score line. Playing in his home town arena, with Mom and Dad in attendance, the nimble guard put on a fireworks display. At one point in the game, he was 10-10, including a remarkable shot from the logo. He also had the Play of the Day, which was a looong downcourt pass in traffic to WCS for a dunk. Thrilling to see him have such a great night.
Carlisle emphasized how important Seth has been to the team this season. He is not only a shooter, but also a driver, playmaker, and underrated defender -- truly a special player, all per the coach. To put a cherry on top, Seth's flaming night resulted in his becoming the league's most accurate active career 3-point shooter, passing one Steph Curry for the honor. Congrats, Seth, you did us proud!
WCS (25 min) had his best game as a Maverick, recording 15 points, 10 boards, and 2 blocks, and earning a game-high +25 in the +/- column. It looked like he is coming along well in picking up the Mavs' system and understanding what the team needs from him.
If there has been a knock on Willie around the league, it has been a question of whether he really has the motor to be an impactful NBA player. Ceballos speculated that WCS might be more motivated to run hard and get down the floor in Dallas than he used to be in his Sacramento days, because here, the guards actually pass to him when he rolls. Indeed, he completed a number of those plays, accelerating to the basket and going a perfect 7-7 from the field. He had some flashy dunks, which are always exciting, but I was even more impressed with a kick-out to THJ for a three. Playmaker!
It's just one night, but if Trill can play like this on any kind of consistent basis, that would be big for Dallas. Let's keep an eye on it.
In the honorable mention department, THJ had 14 points and 5 assists. Bobi put up 11 points and 6 rebounds in 13 minutes, and it is always a hoot to see him execute his signature standstill dunk while gazing blandly at the guy trying to guard him.
Hornets. Graham led the team with 26 points and 10 assists, and kept the Mavs humble in the fourth. This Charlotte team does not look very good, tbh.
Remarks
Carlisle was pleased with his team's performance, especially after the previous night's clunker. He labeled the defense "terrific," especially in the first period. The squad played "the right way," and with "great effort."
There aren't many bones to pick in this one. It was encouraging to see the group resume its usual road mentality, especially with both Luka and KP out. I like it.
Next. The Mavs face Utah at the AAC on Monday. That promises to be more of a test. Rick said they hope that Luka will be able to play in that game or the next, but no promises.
Go Mavs!
