Coming off a disappointing loss to the Lakers last Sunday, the Mavs try to bounce back at home facing the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks were involved in the mix of the crazy trade deadline period; eventually Milwaukee received the pure jump shooter, J.J. Redick from the Orlando Magic.
The Mavs began the first quarter blazing to an 11-0 run shooting 5-for-6 from the field, while holding the Bucks scoreless for 5 minutes. The Bucks’ star guard Brandon Jennings scored the team’s first bucket after a 0-6 scoring drought from the field. The Bucks ended the first quarter with a 7-0 run despite shooting 28% (6-21 FG) from the field throughout the quarter. Dallas’ 11 point lead slimmed down to only 4 points.
Starting the second quarter, the Mavs went on a scoring drought only making 1 for 7 from the field, which helped Milwaukee take a 1 point lead. Brandon Wright was a huge spark off the bench for Mavs, scoring 8 points (3-3 FG) in just 5 minutes after first checking into the game.
At half, the Mavs were up 44 to 41. Dirk Nowitzki had a huge first half, not in the scoring category but in rebounds. Dirk recorded 11 boards (9 defensive rebounds) and 5 points. Darren Collison was the team’s leading scorer with 11 points. Half of the Mavs points came from scoring in the paint, dominating the Bucks 28 to 12 in points in the paint. The Bucks ended the half shooting only 39.5% from the field (17-43 FG).
In the third quarter, the Bucks made adjustments to fix their terrible shooting percentage, shooting a better 54% with Monta Ellis leading the team with 8 points. This helped Milwaukee tie the game up with 3 minutes left in the quarter. The Mavs ended the quarter with an 8-0 run. Dirk recorded 15 rebounds to start the fourth quarter.
The Mavs have struggled all season to finish and close games during the fourth quarter. The Bucks got themselves back into the game taking a 1 point lead, until Dallas replied with a 6-0 run. Then Milwaukee rallied to produce a 14-4 run lead by Monta Ellis with 7 points in the run. The Mavs self-destructed on offense during the final 4 minutes of the game. Dallas shot only 1 field goal of their last 9 attempts, going 6 possessions on offense empty handed.
The Bucks defeated the Mavericks 95-90, in what seems like a “must-win” game for the Mavs. Dallas had 6 players in double figures, including two players with double-doubles. Dirk ended the game with a double-double: 21 points and 20 rebounds. Also, Elton Brand double-double included 14 rebounds and 12 points (6-8 FG).
The Bucks’ leading scorer was Monta Ellis with 22 points. J.J. Redick off the bench ended in double figures with 14 points.
The Mavs next game is on Wednesday, February 27th in Memphis facing the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are currently on a 7 game winning streak and won 8 of their last 10 games.
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