The Mavs came into Wednesday night’s tilt with the improved Detroit Pistons losers of three straight and desperately missing their rookie starting point guard.
It was a pretty good night at the American Airlines Center as Dallas came away with a 110-93 victory and Dennis Smith Jr. looked great in his first game back after missing the last couple weeks with a hip injury.
The rookie out of North Carolina State finished with a solid 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in a limited 21 minutes. He wowed the big crowd that included hip hop star and fellow North Carolina-native J Cole with a flashy stretch towards the end of the first half. This ESPECIALLY applies to DSJ’s and-one right before halftime:
J. Cole was HYPED for his Fayetteville brother, Dennis Smith Jr. ? pic.twitter.com/HsCOWvmGB5
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 21, 2017
If an average Joe pulls that stunt they get tackled by security, right?
Wednesday night’s victory was also the NBA debut of new two-way contract player Kyle Collinsworth. After dabbling with the Mavericks during training camp in 2016, the Provo, Utah native finally made his way back to the show after a strong recent showing for the G League’s Texas Legends. In 13 minutes, Collinsworth nailed a three point shot and added in a rebound.
Dallas was definitely not always in control of this game. They trailed by at least 9 points multiple times in the first half, but eventually erupted on offense to seize control of the game. The Mavs torched the Pistons with a season high 43 second quarter points to take a double digit lead into the half, and Dallas never gave it up. Another big run in the third quarter really gave Dallas the breathing room it needed to allow all of their starters to play less than 30 minutes (besides Harrison Barnes with 31).
Up next, the Mavericks will fly to Miami to face the Heat who despite an underwhelming 16-15 record, have already beaten the league-best Boston Celtics twice this season.
Stay tuned to Dallas Sports Fanatic for the best Mavericks fan coverage.
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