Dallas Mavericks Have Win Slip Through Their Fingers Once Again

In a classic Southwest battle the L.A. Lakers' 106-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks led the Lakers to an impressive 6-0 record, while the Mavs slip to just 2-5. 

The Dallas Mavericks knew they needed to score at least 100 points, maintain offensive energy, and play well defensively to keep up with the Lakers.  They started off well with a great offensive game from Gerald Green, an improved defense and energetic play, but they still fell short of a victory. 

Once deep into the second quarter, it was obvious the Mavs were getting tired and sloppy. Their offense was struggling to get set in their plays, and they were constantly turning the ball over.

The Mavs showed improvement in their perimeter defense, but the Lakers post presence was definitely felt throughout the game.

With Gasol’s 22 points and 11 rebounds, Kobe’s 27 points, and Ariza’s 13 points off the bench, coming mostly from inside the post, the Lakers began dominating the paint. 

The Mavericks had several chances to keep this game within their grasp, especially late in the fourth quarter, but with a total of 21 turnovers the Lakers capitalized and started to streak their offensive play. 

Even though Jason Kidd received his 101^st triple-double with 16 Points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, he began playing as if he was going to live or die by the three pointer, which consequently slowed the Mavs' offense. 

This game was in the Mavs' favor after coming out strong in the first quarter, but once again, they were unable to finish late in the fourth.

It looked as if the Mavs would take it home and move to 3-4 for the season with Big Damp's double-double (11 points and 16 rebounds, tying the franchise record with 12 offensive rebounds) and Terry's streaky offense in the first half (21 points total for the game).

It seems like a team that can't finish, but it may be a team that is getting old.  Jason Terry, Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard, and Gereld Green can only do so much, but asking the older players like Jason Kidd,  Jerry Stackhouse, Eric Dampier, and Devon George to consistently keep up throughout a whole season might be too much to ask.

The Mavs need to surround themselves with more young talent who play the game well and can compliment their star, Dirk Nowitzki.  Ariza, Vujacic, Roy, Beasley, Bynum, Rose, and Green are perfect examples.

While the Lakers have a few veterans on their squad, they also have young players who run deep throughout their team, know how to play the game well, and are smart on the court. 

If the Mavericks add a few energetic, young players to their arsenal, it might give the veterans a little more room to be productive. 

Tonight, however, it was star player Nowitzki that let the team down.  He was not aggressive with the ball, and he overlooked two shots in the fourth quarter when he passed to Stackhouse, which led to turnovers. The Mavs need players that can come off the bench and compliment him, which would allow him to be as productive as before.

GAME NOTES

Kobe Bryant scored most of his points in the late third to early fourth quarters of the game, and is currently 23 points shy of tying Larry Bird on the NBA career scoring list.

This was the Lakers' first time trailing at the start of the fourth.