The monkey is off our back and it’s time for the Dallas Mavericks to build off their first win of the season.
Before opening the game against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Mavericks (1-5) entered the game with five consecutive losses. Thanks to a tremendous defensive effort, Dallas was able to lock-up an 86-75 overtime victory.
Harrison Barnes recorded a career high 34 points against the Bucks (4-3) and it was the second time he has scored at least 30 points for the Mavericks. During his four season with the Golden State Warriors, Barnes only recorded one, 30 point game.
Harrison Barnes: career-high 34 points; he's scored 30 points 2x in 6 games with Mavericks after doing it once in 307 games with Warriors
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 7, 2016
Tonight, the Mavericks will be in the Staples Center playing the Los Angeles Lakers (Post Kobe Bryant Era) while boasting a winning record for the first time since Dec. 6, 2013. The Lakers (4-3) enter the game on a three-game winning streak as their most recent win was a 119-108 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. Last year it took the Lakers 25 games before they had four wins, obviously this year there is a different atmosphere under first year head coach, Luke Walton.
Match Up To Watch:
There isn’t a specific match up to watch, instead, we need to keep our eyes on the Mavericks’ defense. Los Angeles is averaging 119.8 points in their four victories and 97.7 points in their losses. Also, their bench play has been better than any other NBA team in the league.
The Lakers bench is averaging 50.6 points per game, the best mark in the NBA. That’s 5+ points more than any other bench in the league.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 8, 2016
On the other hand, Sunday’s game shined light on a player that showed he could help the Mavericks defensively — Dorian Finley-Smith. Before the game against the Bucks, Finley-Smith saw the court for a total of four minutes. He would finish the game Sunday with 32 minutes and was given a rare game ball for his defensive effort on Giannis (Greek Freak) Antetokounmpo. With this game needing a lot from a defensive standpoint, expect Finley-Smith to see the court more.
Dorian Finney-Smith: "It felt good. It felt good to know that [coach Rick Carlisle] trust me enough to play me down the stretch." #DALvsMIL
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) November 7, 2016
Injury Updates:
Dirk Nowitzki (Achilles) – Out
Devin Harris (Toe) – Out
Deron Williams (Calf) – Doubtful
Per @MavsPR, Deron Williams (left calf strain) is doubtful vs. the Lakers. Dirk Nowitzki & Devin Harris are out. #DALatLAL
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) November 7, 2016
How To Watch:
Start Time: 9:30 PM CST
Watch/Listen: Stream or watch on FSSW or listen locally to 103.3 KESN.
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