The Mavs entered Monday night’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans looking to do something they haven’t done yet this season: win a third consecutive game.

 

Dallas did little to slow down Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis, who finished with 28 points and 16 rebounds, but their demise might have been at the hands of much lesser known players.

 

Langston Galloway bit the Mavs with a 17 point performance on a perfect 5/5 from beyond the arc.  E’Twaun Moore finished with 16 points with an impressive 7/1o shooting line.  Neither player is likely known by the casual NBA fan and neither has a double digit scoring average for the season.

 

Dirk’s Return

The Big German played in just his second game back from a month-plus stretch of missing games.  Just like in Friday night’s game against the Clippers, Dirk Nowitzki was limited to just playing in the first half.

Dirk Nowitzki says he came out of tonight's game feeling good. He doesn't know his availability yet for Tuesday vs. the Rockets.

— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) December 27, 2016

With the Mavs playing the front end of a back to back, keep an eye out tomorrow morning/early afternoon if Nowitzki will give it a go tomorrow night against the Rockets.

 

Dirk played 17 minutes in the first half and scored 10 points on 4-9 shooting.  He missed shots early on, but improved as the first half went on.

 

The man who has carried the scoring burden all season, Harrison Barnes, had a tough second half and particularly struggled down the stretch when the Mavs needed baskets.

Harrison Barnes: "When you have a coach & a team that trust you to make those plays down the stretch, you have to be better." #DALatNOP

— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) December 27, 2016

While his politically correct answer is nice, the results need to be there on the court.  Barnes only scored 4 points in the second half and not at all in the 4th.

 

What’s Next?

The Mavs will return home to face a Rockets team they’ve already faced three times this season.  In what will be the final regular season meeting between the two teams, Dallas will be looking to avoid a season sweep at the hands of their in-state rival.

 

Follow @TheMavsFanatic on Twitter for injury updates prior to tip-off Tuesday night at 7:30.