Two teams that have exceeded early season expectations, the Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards, squared off in the nation’s capital and the game didn’t disappoint as the Mavericks handed the Wizards their first home loss on this young season by defeating Washington 105-102.
Dallas star and newest member to the 27,000 points club, Dirk Nowitzki, had a 13-point night on 4-for-12 shooting which included an important shot late in the game after he had to leave due to an injury. Monta Ellis had 34 points, 24 in the first half, with 4 assists to pick up some of the slack of Dirk’s lack luster night. Chandler Parsons start to his season continues to be rocky as he only scored 11 points on 4-12 shooting. The bench for Dallas was pivotal though as reserves J.J. Barea and Brandan Wright were flowing together all night. They both put up 14 points a piece, Barea had 6 assists and 4 rebounds to go with his scoring total and Wright had 6 rebounds to go along with his scoring output.
Nowitzki limped off to the locker room after a fourth-quarter fall that caused him to roll his ankle. Dirk left the court, got taped up and then returned to make a key 3-pointer late in the game.
Wizards were bolstered by the return of young guard Bradley Beal to the team. Beal had 21 points off the bench in his first game back with the Wiz. Paul Pierce had 17 points with 5 rebounds, Marcin Gortat also had 17 points with 5 rebounds. John Wall struggled to score, only putting up 11 points on 5-17 shooting but did manage to dish out 11 assists.
Dallas Mavericks are 9-3. Washington Wizards are 7-3.
Full Game Highlights
https://youtu.be/v-td9R0XfTo
