Dallas Mavericks Lose to Charlotte Hornets...Again
After just facing the Charlotte Hornets last week, the Dallas Mavericks hosted the Hornets at home where they lost once again.
Four days ago, on a Thursday night in Charlotte, the Mavericks played the Hornets in a game where Andrew Bogut stayed at home with the rest of the injured Mavs. Behind a strong fourth quarter from Kemba Walker, the Hornets took the game 97-87.
For Dallas, they are coming off arguably their best win of the season after beating the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night 107-82. Still missing Dirk Nowitzki, J.J. Barea, and Seth Curry (was a game-time decision due to strained knee), the Mavs came into the matchup short-handed once again.
For Charlotte, the Hornets were coming off a five point loss to the Timberwolves on Saturday night. Missing only Marvin Williams, the Hornets came into the matchup almost at full strength.
The Game
Wesley Matthews opened up the game by continuing his hot shooting and draining a three pointer on his first shot. With Walker and Batum leading the way for Charlotte, the Hornets went into the second quarter tied with a Harrison Barnes led Mavs.
*Andrew Bogut went down during a rebounding scrum holding his right knee/leg area. He limped straight to the locker room and was ruled out for the rest of the game. The extent of the injury is unsure at this time.
The second quarter continued the same storyline as both teams played solid basketball across the board. Harrison Barnes finished the half with 13 points as a late Deron Williams layup gave the Mavericks a two point lead heading into the half. Charlotte finished the first half out rebounding the Mavericks 29-17.
The second half started off and Dallas didn’t miss a beat. Harrison Barnes and Wesley Matthews continued their hot shooting while the Mavericks kept most of the Hornets in check. Even though Charlotte was winning the rebounding battle with Bogut out, Dallas capitalized on poor three-point shooting from the Hornets.
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The fourth quarter was a back and forth affair as Dallas fought off a Hornets team without Nowitzki, Barea, Curry and Bogut. Behind Kemba Walker, the Hornets once again won the game in the fourth quarter with a final score of 109-101.
Deciding Statistic
Coming into the matchup, the Hornets were 12th in the league in rebounds and that showed on Monday night.
Not only are the Mavericks 30th in the league in rebounding, Andrew Bogut left early in the first half and did not return. Despite six early rebounds from Bogut, Dallas was forced to go small the majority of the game where they lost the rebounding battle 55-35.
Player of the Game
Even though you could give the player of the game to Kemba Walker and his 19 points, I’m giving the player of the game award to Nicolas Batum. Even though he took on the task of guarding Barnes and Matthews most of the night, he contributed in all areas of the game.
Batum finished the night with 14 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists.
On the Mavs side of the ball, Harrison Barnes finished with 29 points while Wesley Matthews finished with 16 points.
Dallas plays their third consecutive home game on Wednesday as the welcome the Sacramento Kings.
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