ORLANDO, FL — It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. The NBA restart is officially underway. The Dallas Mavericks (40-28) opened their eight game slate in a crucial playoff seeding game against the Houston Rockets (41-24).
On paper, these two teams appear similar. For instance, the Mavericks average 46.2 percent from the floor while the Rockets average 45.4 percent. The same goes for the free throw line: the Mavericks average 77.3 percent and the Rockets average 78.7 percent. However, we all know how misleading stats on paper can be. The proof is in the play.
See below for tonight’s starting lineups:
HOUSTON:
Russell Westbrook G
James Harden G
Robert Covington C
Danuel House Jr. F
P.J. Tucker F
DALLAS:
Luka Doncic G
Seth Curry G
Kristaps Porzingis C
Tim Hardaway Jr. F
Dorian Finney-Smith F
Entering tonight’s game, two was Dallas’ magic number for clinching a playoff berth for the first time since 2016. Fortunately, the Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Portland Trail Blazers earlier today allowing the Mavericks to clinch with a victory over the Rockets. The series was split between the two so it was expected that the matchup would be intense. However, we didn’t expect a high scoring game right out of the gate.
From the start, James Harden reminded everyone why he currently leads the NBA in points per game at 34.4. He opened the first quarter with sharp shooting and posted 23 points on 6-of-6 from the floor, 2-of-2 from beyond, and 9-of-9 from the free throw line.
Kristaps Porzingis answered back with 15 first quarter points to keep Dallas in the game. It was tied 42-42 going into the second quarter. It was a true game of tug-of-war.
Dallas led by as many as 12 points but that didn’t stop Houston from nipping at their heels. There were six lead changes and seven ties all before halftime. The Mavericks finished the first half strong with a cushy 10 point lead over the Rockets. The 85 first half points scored by Dallas tied for most points scored at the half in team history.
Recent signee, Trey Burke, provided a spark off the bench for the Mavericks. Before entering the third quarter, he collected 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field, 5-of-5 from downtown, three assists, and a plus 10 rating. He posted 15 points alone in the second quarter.
Dallas also dominated the battle of the boards and outrebounded Houston 22-14 at the break. At that point, the momentum was surely on the side of the boys in blue.
The Rockets might’ve been down but they surely weren’t out. Harden and company scored a quick 15 points and slashed the deficit. With just under eight minutes left in the third quarter, the Rockets trailed by a mere three points. Shots just weren’t falling as easily for the Mavericks like they were in the first half.
Luckily, Dallas’ shooting game picked up towards the end of the third quarter. The game came down to the wire and was sent into overtime tied 139-139. At that point, the Rockets game intensified and the Mavericks simply didn’t have anything left in the tank. Several Dallas players fouled out including All-Star Luka Doncic. Harden and company walked away victorious 153-149.
LEADING SCORERS:
James Harden – 49 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists
Kristaps Porzingis – 39 points (season-high), 16 rebounds, and two assists
The Mavericks were unable to clinch a playoff berth tonight but will have another chance on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns at 8:00pm.
