The Dallas Mavericks (32-28) have not made it look easy as of late, but they’ve manged to take care of business during this recent home stretch. While the Orlando Magic (26-32) have lost five of their last ten games, the Mavericks should be able to keep their focus, considering the Magic defeated them in the first game following the All-Star break. They lost that game in overtime (just their third loss in 10 OT games), which seems to have woke the Mavericks up. They have won three of four during this home stretch, and look to continue that success tonight.
While they needed to storm back from a 23-point deficit last week against Denver, they flat out took it right to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, winning 128-101.
“The starters were a lot better,” Dirk Nowitzki said. “But once is not going to cure it all. We’ve got to keep it going and give our bench a little lead.”
Since February 6th, the Mavericks have been the best team from beyond the arc, averaging 13-33 from long distance over the last seven games. Chandler Parsons has continue his torrid 2016 stretch, and is arguably playing the best ball of his career. Over the last seven games, he is averaging 21.6 points, and has gone 22-44 from 3-point range.
“We’re in a really good offensive groove,” said Parsons. “When we move the ball and space the floor, like we did (Sunday), we’re tough to guard.”
David Lee has been a welcome addition, which is something I wasn’t sure he would be able to do so quickly. Despite not playing since January 10th, he has totaled 31 points and 27 rebounds in the three games he has suited up for the Mavericks.
Parsons In Florida?
It has been reported that the Orlando Magic figure to be the most aggressive pursuer of Chandler Parsons this summer. Parsons was born in Cassellberry, FL. He has family from there, and on his first day of kindergarten, he scribbled a picture of himself in a Magic uniform to illustrate what he wanted to be when he grew up. (Reported by Tim MacMahon)
Despite all of the rumors, Parsons has maintained his stance on the subject, reiterating that the only talk needed right now is in regards to his current team and the rest of the season.
“My focus right now is solely on finishing this season as strong as possible with the Mavericks,” Parsons said. “It’d be selfish of me and a disservice to this franchise and to my teammates to be thinking about this summer when we have a chance to do something special. We’ll have plenty of time to think about business this summer. It’s basketball season now.”
While everyone may jump to conclusions and consider this a done deal, it’s important to note that Parsons and Mark Cuban seem extremely close, and Parsons has made it his intention to try and build a solid roster for the Mavericks, leaning heavily on his ability to recruit. He helped in bringing Wesley Matthews to the squad, and for a moment, had DeAndre Jordan.
Matchup To Watch:
I would like to think of some match-up between two players or between the two front-courts, but at this point, it’s Chandler Parsons vs Opponent. He seems to be getting anything he wants on the basketball court right now, and has provided the Mavericks with a real go to option early on in games. When Parsons is hitting from long distance, it opens up a plethora of options for the squad. He is able to drive and dish or attack the basket, allowing guys like Matthews, Nowitzki and others to find the open spots on the floor. The spacing has been there as of late, which is huge factor in why offensive efficiency is so high recently.
How To Watch:
Game tips-off at 7:30 CT tonight and can be seen on Fox Sports Southwest.
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