Mavericks vs. Hawks recap: Dallas loses in Atlanta, 132-130

Dallas misplaced Atlanta Hawks Sunday evening, in a sport that lowered their magic quantity for sport misses to 2. They sit in eleventh place at 37-42, one sport behind Oklahoma Metropolis (which owns the head-to-head tiebreaker).

The bleeding began early when the Hawks hit six of their 9 level makes an attempt within the first quarter. By halftime, the Falcons had solely fired one shot that was neither on the rim nor outdoors the three-point line. An incapacity to close down or seize a defensive rebound led to Dallas falling 4, 70-66, at halftime.

Dallas bounced again with the introduction of JaVale McGee within the third quarter after the staff trailed by 15 factors and minimize the result in three as they moved into the fourth. Kyrie Irving took over within the fourth quarter and after a collection of missed free throws, Dallas obtained the ball with an opportunity to win and solely 0.4 seconds on the clock. The ball entered McGee, who fouled the move. He made certainly one of two free throws and the sport went to extra time. Dallas fell in extra time, after Luka Doncic missed three extra on the buzzer.

Irving scored a game-high 41 factors, together with 4 assists and 5 rebounds. DeJonte Murray led Atlanta with 25 factors, whereas Trae Younger had 24 factors and 12 assists. Josh Inexperienced, Christian Wooden, Javal McGee and Luka Doncic all scored in double figures nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient to beat Atlanta’s robust coating presence.

The Mavericks’ nice weak spot was uncovered

Dallas has been a poor rebounding staff for a number of years, however particularly this 12 months. Atlanta killed Dallas on the within, particularly on the Hawks’ offensive glass. Atlanta scored 16 offensive rebounds and 70 taking pictures factors. Even when Dallas had been to take part, that gap of their protection would show deadly as they must fend off any mixture of Rudy Gobert, Jonas Valencionas, and Anthony Davis. Their incapacity to defend the sting and restrict additional possessions misplaced the sport, as each huge shot for Atlanta down the stretch got here 5 ft.

For this reason Dallas obtained Kyrie Irving

Irving was surgical tonight and particularly particular within the fourth quarter. He had a 14-point lead within the remaining body together with a draw jumper with simply over 37 seconds remaining. He was a killer at midrange and helped the Dallas offense keep afloat with Luka Doncic making the evening. He’s an skilled finisher and ripped off Atlanta guards. It was an insult to him that he didn’t take the final shot.

JaVale McGee was enjoyable

Jason Kidd is thought to be cussed together with his lineups, however he deserves his props for protecting the Mavericks’ finest lineup on the bottom within the latter a part of the sport. This lineup featured McGee at heart, who turned the total power of the sport on when he was inserted with Dallas to fifteen on third. He had the best plus/minus on the staff (+13) and made performs when Dallas wanted him to. It appeared like nobody on the staff may resolve their paint points, however McGee no less than supplied an power and presence that no different senior on the staff has. Three video games left and there’s no motive Dallas can’t play a giant deal within the offseason. McGee’s minutes could deliver some enjoyable to a dismal finish to the Dallas season.

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