Dallas Mavericks

Mavericks beat Kings 103-97 to end 5-game skid amid protests

Published Mar. 28, 2018 12:59 a.m. ET

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Harrison Barnes had 20 points, six assists and five rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Sacramento Kings 103-97 on Tuesday night while protesters forced a lockdown of Golden1 Center for the second time in six days.

Dennis Smith Jr. added 19 points and six assists in his second game back from an ankle injury. Doug McDermott scored seven of his 15 points during a big run in the fourth quarter, and Aaron Harrison and Johnathan Motley had 10 points apiece to help Dallas end a five-game losing streak.

Outside the arena, demonstrators gathered to protest the March 18 fatal police shooting of Stephon Clark, an unarmed 22-year-old black man who was in his grandparents' backyard. Most fans were prevented from entering Golden1 Center and the team later released a statement saying refunds would be given.

Some fans who arrived early were let in and allowed to move down into the lower bowl of the arena. Although no official attendance was given, the crowd was estimated at around 4,000.

That was twice the number of people who were allowed in last Thursday when protestors formed a human chain around the arena and forced the start of the game to be delayed.

Dallas led by 18 with 3:44 remaining before Sacramento went on a 17-4 run. Buddy Hield had six points as part of the spurt and Frank Mason made two free throws to pull the Kings to 102-97 with 21.9 seconds left.

Kyle Collinsworth made one of two free throws for the Mavericks to seal the win.

Skal Labissiere had 19 points and eight rebounds, and Kosta Koufos scored 15 for Sacramento.

With center Dwight Powell out because of bursitis in his left knee, the Mavericks struggled to get much going inside. But it hardly mattered on a night when Dallas made 14 3-pointers.

TIP-INS

Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki scored five points on 2-of-9 shooting. He went 1 for 7 on 3s. ... JJ Barea did not make the trip because of personal reasons. Nerlens Noel and Dorian Finney-Smith were also held out.

Kings: Koufos took advantage of Powell's absence and scored 15 of Sacramento's first 29 points. Koufos went into the day averaging 6.6 points per game. . Garrett Temple (sprained left anke) missed his third straight game.

UP NEXT

Mavericks: Play at the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.

Kings: Host the Indiana Pacers on Thursday.