No better way to start off the holiday weekend with a victory right before Thanksgiving. In a back-and-forth slugfest, the Mavericks found their way on the right side of a 119-113 win against the Brooklyn Nets.

Shoot your shot, HB

Each and every game, Harrison Barnes continues to find his rhythm. Tonight was no different, as he scored 13 points in the first quarter. HB was super aggressive; attacking the basket from every angle and sinking his open jumpers, finishing with a season-high 28 points on 10/20 from the floor and 5/8 from deep.

”He was great, he was great. In games like this, he’s gotta be very aggressive; an offensive force,” Carlisle said of HB’s play tonight. “That’s what top line players are supposed to do.”

Maybe he got an extra boost after watching his college arch-nemesis Duke fall to Gonzaga, but whatever it’s been, his continued success offensively and underrated defense as of late this season is essential to the Mavericks success.

Huge night from Devin Harris

Revenge game, anyone? That’s a stretch being that Devin last played for the Nets in 2011 and there doesn’t seem to be any revenge to be had but just roll with it, alright? DH came off the bench and played his best game of the season by far tonight against the Nets.

Alongside his buddy, J.J. Barea, the two savvy, veteran guards were able to have their way with Brooklyn, combining for 36 points, 18 of those from Harris, along with four steals and 8/10 from the free throw line.

When Devin is healthy, his impact on the game as a whole on both ends adds another veteran presence from Dallas’ second unit, let alone leave a blueprint for the young guards.

Don’t panic over DSJ’s minutes

For those noticing, yes, Dennis did find himself on the bench down the stretch of tonight’s game. Was he playing poorly? Some may say so. But there’s more to that.

Dennis has been dealing with a right wrist injury that he suffered against Memphis. “He can’t shoot,” Carlisle said postgame. “With all things considered, I thought he did some good things in a difficult situation but fortunately Barea had a good game and we were able to win the game.” Rick stated that Dennis wanted to play but as the game went on, it was clear that his wrist just wasn’t right.

With the wrist injury, Barea and Harris filled in brilliantly, which made it easy for Carlisle to rest Dennis down the stretch as the team clinched the hard fought win.

Powell’s presence was missed

Missing his second straight game with a left knee effusion, Dwight Powell was noticeably missed in the Mavs second unit. His ability to not only defend and rebound but as an elite pick-and-roll player is an important part of the Mavs bench mob.

Powell’s running mate, Maxi Kleber, and Salah Mejri played well in spurts but having Powell back in the lineup will certainly be a benefit for Dallas.

Dirk is forever

Most importantly about tonight, Dirk received a key to the city from Mayor Mike Rawlings at halftime. How this hasn’t happened already is a valid question but that’s besides the point.

In his 21 seasons with the franchise, Dirk has not only represented Dallas at a Hall of Fame level on the court as a Maverick but has been a Hall of Fame citizen and role model in the community off the court as well.

As only Dirk could, when handed the key, he took the microphone and addressed the AAC crowd, “It’s about time I got that key!”

The 🐐 has been the 🔑 to this franchise for more than two decades. Now he has a 🔑 to the city. pic.twitter.com/lHzauVwM3I

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) November 22, 2018

Now, as exciting as this presentation was for Mavs fans, I think it’s safe to say that they’re more concerned with when they’ll see #41 back in a Mavs uniform. Luckily, Dirk is hopeful to return sometime in December.

We’ll finish this night off with Luka speaking on J.J. and if he was Luka’s height. The Mavs take on the Celtics at home on Saturday.

Luka on J.J. Barea, “He’s a great, great player. For his size, he does a lot, a lot of things good. If he would’ve been like me, 6’7”, he’d be one of the best players in this league for sure.” pic.twitter.com/9v7XunAZcr

— Michael Mulford (@TheMulf) November 22, 2018