Mavericks Defeat Pelicans, 96-83

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 96-83, at American
Airlines Center on Saturday. These are two teams on the outside looking in for
the playoffs and the Mavericks were able to escape with a huge win to get them
closer to that eight-seed. Despite New Orleans leading by six points after the
first quarter, Dallas took care of business from there by winning the other
three quarters by at least four points. In fact, the Mavericks outscored the
Pelicans, 49-34, in the second half. Defense was key, as they held New Orleans
to 40 percent from the field and 21 percent from three-point range, while
forcing 19 turnovers. The Pelicans (23-36) now have two double-digit losses
since acquiring DeMarcus Cousins and the growing pains are slower than most
anticipated. Anthony Davis stepped up though, as he led the team with 39 points
and 14 rebounds. Cousins finished with just 12 points, but provided 15 rebounds,
six assists and three steals. Jrue Holiday was the only other Pelican in double
figures, as he collected 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists. The other
six players combined for just 14 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and no
blocks. The Mavericks (23-35) have been surging since a terrible start and a win
over a growing team like the Pelicans is just what they need to get some
momentum going. Harrison Barnes led the way, as he tallied 19 points, three
rebounds and three steals. Dirk Nowitzki finished second on the team, totaling
18 points and nine rebounds. Seth Curry and Yogi Ferrell combined for 20 points,
12 rebounds and 15 assists as the starting backcourt. Nerlens Noel made his
debut and amassed nine points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Salah Mejri had a
historically bad game, as he fouled out in five minutes, while failing to record
a single stat aside from a turnover.