Nothing is ever easy for these Mavericks, huh?

After holding a double-digit lead for the majority of the game, the Mavericks gave up a 45-point fourth quarter to the Timberwolves, cutting the deficit all the way down to just three points.

Yes, a 45-point fourth quarter to the worst team in the league. Though what should’ve been a cake walk of a victory, the Mavericks survived the late T-Wolves run, winning 127-122.

“We have to do a better job at closing games,” Carlisle said. “We’re a young team that has got to learn from these situations.”

KP’s Hot Start

The Mavericks came out firing to start tonight’s game, scoring 43 first quarter points.

Kristaps Porzingis led this first quarter scoring punch with 15 points in the opening frame and finishing the game with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks.

“The ball movement and defense were very, very good,” Carlisle said of the first quarter.

Whenever KP is not only getting it going offensively early in the game, but is active on defensive and defending the rim, the Mavs look like a completely different team.

#BenchMobTimothy

Yep, that’s his name from now on. The hashtag on Twitter has begun.

Tim Hardaway Jr. was phenomenal tonight off the bench, scoring 24 points on five makes from downtown. When Timmy is aggressive and that shot is falling, this Mavericks offense goes to another level.

As Tim has seen his fair share of starts in his time in Dallas and truly flourished in that role last season, it looks like he’s found his niche as the 6th man for the rest of the season. Without the likes of Seth Curry, THJ’s aggressive scoring punch off the bench rounds out the roster and gives that second unit a three-level threat.

Finding Their Rhythm

Safe to say, the Mavericks have been on a roller coaster ride of emotions this season. Whether it’s been losing streaks, injuries, or fighting COVID, the Mavericks have seen it. But as some normalcy begins to kick in, so has some rhythm.

Josh Richardson is one of five Mavericks who missed significant time due to COVID, hindering his time to gain early season chemistry with the team.

Tonight, Richardson arguably had his best overall game as a Maverick, finishing with 18 points, five rebounds, and eight assists. Dallas used Richardson as a facilitator more than usual tonight, giving Luka time to move without the ball. Having J-Rich as a secondary playmaker can do a lot of good for this Mavericks offense and keep a few eyes off of Luka.

Dwight Powell also had a slow start to the season, which was expected coming back from a torn Achilles last January. But adding COVID to his plate certainly slowed down his process of getting into game shape early in the same.

But as of late, Powell has found his groove on the floor. But for Powell, it’s not necessarily about scoring the basketball – it’s about doing all the little things. Tonight, a lot like J-Rich, was Powell’s best game of the season, finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds as his timing and activity has seen an uptick and level of consistency.

The Mavericks look to extend their winning streak on Wednesday at home against the Atlanta Hawks.