The Dallas Mavericks live to see another game after defeating The Houston Rockets 121-109 in a dominating performance after halftime.
Dwight Howard gave Houston a big first quarter with 10 points, but in the second quarter the Mavericks would turn to hack-a-dwight strategy. In last nights game Howard shot 3-13 from the line which forced head coach Kevin McHale to sit Howard for some time.
The Mavericks shooting guard Monta Ellis was the heart and soul to Dallas keeping them in the game early, but in the second half J.J. Barea and Al-Farouq Aminu both players inserted into the starting lineup and flourished.
Aminu had 16 points and 12 rebounds playing some good defense on James Harden. Harden went 7/15 but he had to work for his shots which is all you can do with Harden’s offensive skill set.
The Mavericks shot 54% from the field compared to Houston’s 46% which is a game changer.
Things got a little chippy between the two teams as well with Dwight Howard and Tyson Chandler assessed double technical fouls and Josh Smith and Richard Jefferson arguing with each other caused another.
Josh Smith in the second half though helped bring Houston to within 9 points he would have 16 points in the 4th quarter drilling four three pointers in the quarter, but it would not be enough as Dallas would not be matched on offense.
This series has not been a defensive showcase with each game both teams have shot high percentages and both teams scoring over 100 points in all but one game.
Tuesday at 8PM (Eastern Standard Time) The Rockets will try once again to eliminate the Mavericks once and for all. Barea, Ellis, and Aminu will be huge factors to hopefully give The Mavericks the same push it did last night. Houston may need a big game from Harden as he did in game 3 .
