Rapid Report – Mavs Edged By Spurs in Opener

 

Would we expect anything less from a Mavericks and Spurs battle?

 

It was only the first game of the regular season, but the atmosphere and energy felt like an addition to the playoffs series this past spring.

 

A game which started slowly, picked up pace as the quarter ended with San Antonio leading 26-24. Dallas rode the hot hand of Monta Ellis and strong effort from Tyson Chandler to outscore the Spurs 29-19 in the second, taking an eight-point advantage into the half.

 

Foul trouble for Chandler would cause problems as he’d leave the game and his impact with him. Ellis continued to carry the offensive load through three quarters, but the Spurs’ Manu Ginobili fueled a comeback that pushed San Antonio back in front.

 

Dirk Nowitzki began warming up late in the third which carried over to the final quarter. Utilizing his patented jumper and forcing the issuem , Dirk kept trimming at the Spurs lead, but San Antonio was consistent in response by connecting on buckets that killed Mavs momentum.

 

Dallas would erase a 10-point Spurs lead in the fourth quarter as Ellis and Nowitzki altered baskets along with Devin Harris hitting key three-pointers in the final quarter.

 

The Mavs up two, doubled down in the post and Tony Parker knocked down a triple late in the shot clock to put the Spurs up for good.

 

Key Stats

 

Mavericks – Chandler Parsons shot 2-for-10 in his Mavs debut and missed what would have to the game-winning three-point basket at the end of regulation. Parsons offense never got into gear.

 

Spurs – We listed Ginobili as the player to watch and he came through for the Spurs, pouring in 20 bench points and handing out six assists.

 

Next Up: Dallas vs Utah, Thursday October 30 at 7:30 CT.