National Basketball Association

Dallas Mavericks: Mavs Take Down the Hornets

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Oct 3, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea (5) drives to the basket past Charlotte Hornets guard Ramon Sessions (7) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks took down the Charlotte Hornets tonight at the American Airlines Center, with a final score of 95-88. Here are a few keys to the victory.

The Dallas Mavericks played their first preseason game at home tonight against the Charlotte Hornets. After falling to the New Orleans Pelicans a few nights ago, the Mavs looked for vengeance against Nicolas Batum and the Hornets.

The Mavericks came out ready to play tonight in front of the home crowd and pulled out an excellent 95-88 win. The Mavs started slow in the 1st quarter, falling behind 26-23 and watching the hopeful star of the team, Harrison Barnes, have a rough time getting going.

By halftime, however, the Mavericks had taken over and jumped out to a 10-point advantage. J.J. Barea led the charge for the most part as he finished the half with 11 of the Mavs 48 points. Dallas went on to keep the Hornets at arms length and ended the game with a 7-point win.

The leading scorer for the Dallas Mavericks was Seth Curry with 20 points after going on a tear in the second half. Wesley Matthews also added 9 points in just first half minutes. Here are three things from the game that we can take away.

Sep 26, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Nicolas Brussino (9) poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Nicolas Brussino is Earning a Spot

Nicolas Brussino has now had two very strong games for the Dallas Mavericks in the preseason. In his first game with Dallas, Brussino scored 13 points in 23 minutes, leading the Mavs in scoring after Justin Anderson’s 14.

Brussino has not just been a good scoring threat for Dallas, but he has also looked like an intelligent player while he is on the court. Much like most European players that come to the league, he seems to be basketball ready but his size is not fit for the battle that it is playing in the NBA. If he can pack on some muscle while keeping his shooting stroke, he could be an excellent find for Dallas.

Tonight, Brussino started a little slower and only ended with 9 points, but again, he just looks like he knows what he is doing out on the court. Expect Brussino to be one of the final few fighting for a spot on the Mavericks roster in the next few weeks.

Oct 3, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Quincy Acy (4) boxes out Charlotte Hornets center Roy Hibbert (55) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Hornets 95-88. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Quincy Acy= Energy

No one brings energy to the court quite like Quincy Acy does. The Dallas Mavericks have been missing the level of intensity and hustle that Acy brings to the court night in and night out. An emotional and vocal player like Acy can often be a bad thing but the Mavs need someone like him.

Tonight, Acy was all over the place showing Rick Carlisle and the Mavs that he is ready to fulfill his role and do whatever the coach needs while he is on the court. Whether it was taking charges, getting timely blocks and steals, or playing whatever position the Mavs needed him to play, Acy was that guy tonight.

Be aware of Acy this season as the Mavs would love for him to fill the role that Tyson Chandler filled while he was here. Although Acy really is not the caliber of player that Chandler was in Dallas, he will bring fire and passion that Dallas fans are going to love.

Oct 3, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Seth Curry (30) defends against Charlotte Hornets guard Ramon Sessions (7) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Hornets 95-88. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Seth Curry Can Score in a Hurry

Seth Curry was by no means having a 20-point night when the first half concluded tonight. He was struggling getting the ball in a scoring position and his shot looked just a fraction of the way off, enough to make a difference.

That is, until the 3rd quarter started. When Seth Curry took the floor in the second half, he was a different player. He found his stroke and did not let it go, scoring 11 points in the 3rd quarter alone. Curry may not have the shooting stroke of his older brother, but he can when the time and situation is right.

It is obvious that Curry is a streaky shooter and will be all season. Dallas fans may need to ease up on the expectations of Seth Curry, but that does not mean that they shouldn’t expect anything. Curry is going to be a great player for Dallas this season and the Mavs are ready to see him get going.

Dallas is 1-1 in the preseason and looking like they are ready to start making some important roster decisions. As of right now though, Nicolas Brussino, Quincy Acy, and Seth Curry are all making their case for roster spots and time in the rotation. Keep an eye on Dallas as they play the Milwaukee Bucks on October 8th.