Rapid Fire: Mavericks rally to beat Knicks, move back into playoff picture

 

In a must-win game with playoff implications, the Dallas Mavericks picked up a victory.

 

Only this time, instead of the normal heroes coming through in the clutch, it was the bench and role players, as the Mavericks (37-38) knocked off the New York Knicks 91-89.

 

Down as much as 11 points, Dallas got a huge night from J.J. Barea, who poured in 26 points in the victory, including the go-ahead layup with under a minute remaining.

 

“I think it’s working for us,” Barea said. “We stayed with it. We kept it close with the defense and were able to knock down some shots late. We needed this one.”

 

The Knicks (30-46) were without rookie forward Kristaps Porzingis who did not play due to a sore right shoulder. According to Frank Isola, Porzingis will undergo an MRI later this week. With their star rookie out of the picture, New York turned to Carmelo Anthony, who finished with a game-high 31 points.

 

Anthony had a chance to tie or win the game at the end of regulation, but excellent defense by Wesley Matthews forced a turnover that ultimately sealed the deal.

 

“He’s all blood and guts,” head coach Rick Carlisle said of Matthews’ defense.

 

Back In The Race:

 

With the win tonight and Utah’s overtime loss against Golden State, Dallas moved into a three-way tie for the eighth and final playoff seed in the West.

 

Spotted:

 

Chandler Parsons was seen walking around the Mavericks locker room after the game. He was not wearing a brace initially and his right leg was stiff. Parsons had season-ending knee surgery last week to repair a torn right meniscus. 

 

Next up:

 

Dallas hits the road for a two-game swing away from the AAC Friday night in Detroit.