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Short-Handed Mavs Can’t Stop Westbrook, Fall to Thunder, 109-98.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JANUARY 26: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 26, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)

 

On a night where the Dallas Mavericks were without Dirk Nowitzki, Deron Williams, Wesley Matthews and J.J. Barea, the young guns fought hard, but couldn’t get over the hump against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

 

In the first half, the Mavs showed some real heart, going blow for blow with the Thunder. It seemed as if it was just going to be Dallas’ night, especially after two straight end-of-the-quarter buzzer-beaters. The first one came at the end of the first quarter, as Devin Harris hit a running bank shot.  The second one came at the end of the second quarter, as Dorian Finney-Smith hit a silky three-pointer from the corner to put the Mavs up 55-53 at halftime.

 

After an inspiring effort in the first half, Dallas came out sluggish in the third quarter.  Their two-point lead quickly turned into a five-point deficit, forcing Rick Carlisle to call a timeout with 9 minutes left in the period. Although they continued to give great effort the rest of the way, the Mavs just couldn’t overcome a 45-point performance from OKC superstar, Russell Westbrook. Barnes led the Mavs with 31 points (13-26 FG), but it was Westbrook that took control of the game late, scoring 17 points in the fourth quarter.  The short-handed Mavs lost by a final score of 109-98.

 

Top Performances

 

Harrison Barnes – Barnes scored 31 points on 50% shooting from the field, as he continued to build on what has already been a career season.

 

Justin Anderson – After being in Rick Carlisle’s doghouse for a few games, Anderson has responded really well. He scored 17 points (5-11 FG) and grabbed 5 rebounds while continuing to play solid defense. Hopefully Simba can keep up this level of play as the season progresses and not have to worry about losing his rotation spot again.

 

Dorian Finney-Smith – DFS only scored 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, but he also continued to play good defense and maintained a high level of energy throughout the entire game. As the undrafted rookie continues to grow, so do the hopes of a Mavs fan base that has been deprived of young talent.

 

Highlights

 

Up Next

It doesn’t get any easier for the Mavs in their next matchup, as they will travel to San Antonio to take on a Spurs team that sports a record of 36-9. Dallas should have all their starters back for that game, but even so, it will be a tough game. 

 

 

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Born and raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I received my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration - Entrepreneurship from the University of Southern Mississippi. If you're unfamiliar with Southern Miss, think Brett Favre. I'm currently working full time as a salesperson for my family business. My fiancé and I are huge MFFLs, and we never pass up a chance to see the guys play in person.

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