DALLAS, TX – The Dallas Mavericks lose their third straight game 130-122 to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday evening. This is the first game of a four game home stand for Dallas. They will be back in American Airlines Center on Friday to take on the Miami Heat. Tip off is set for 6:30 PM.
The first quarter was back and forth for both teams. Luka Doncic started early for the Mavs, he racked up 19 points before the first quarter was even over. Despite being down three points entering the second quarter, Dallas was shooting aggressively and well. They were 57 percent from the floor, 50 percent from beyond the arc, and 100 percent from the freethrow line to finish off the first quarter.
Both teams were tied in the second quarter both scoring 25 points a piece. Doncic was quiet, scoring 0 points in the second quarter. Atlanta took a three point lead going into halftime. Dallas held Trae Young to just eight points in the first half.
Dallas took their first lead of the ball game with 8:34 left in the third quarter after Doncic drained a three-pointer forcing Atlanta to take a timeout. Mavs had a 75-73 lead. Atlanta’s game plan was to trap Doncic as much as possible, but when doing so they leave a wide open Christian Wood that can slam a three-pointer or drive to the basket.
The Hawks playing not so good basketball the first five minutes into the third quarter led to a 13-0 run for the Mavericks led by Doncic and Wood forcing yet another timeout for Atlanta. Dallas had a 83-78 lead with 6:07 left in the third quarter.
The Hawks came back from the timeout and shortened the lead down to three. The Mavericks got slow back on defense and ended the third quarter down 98-97.
Doncic had 27 points entering the fourth quarter, Doncic has never scored 30 or more points against Atlanta since he’s been in the NBA. He finished the night with 30 points and now has scored 30 points against the Hawks.
The Hawks led the entire fourth quarter and ended up finishing the night off. Dallas gave up 130 points tonight and head coach Jason Kidd is not pleased with his team giving up that many points.
Kidd said after the game, “We can not give 130 points and win games.” Kidd said if they give up 130 points they will not win ball games. He said his guys need to defend and play defense if they want to win.
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