The Dallas Mavericks (8-4) defeated the Boston Celtics (6-5) 106-102 on Wednesday at the TD Garden in Boston.
The Celtics built a strong lead early in this game, out-scoring the Mavericks 31-16 in the first quarter alone. With an eight-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, the Celtics had a chance to close it out, but the Mavericks took off on a 36-24 run in the end to secure the four-point victory on the road in Boston. The Mavericks were the superior shooters in this game, finishing at 51 percent from the field and 35 percent from the three-point line, while the Celtics went 41 percent from the field and just 31 percent from deep.
Behind a strong performance from Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks won their fifth straight game, which gives them the third best record in the stacked Western Conference. Nowitzki finished with a game-high of 23 points (9-14 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 14 of which came in the first half, while also adding seven rebounds over 34 minutes. The 37-year-old German has combined for 44 points and 13 rebounds over the last two games and is a big reason for the Mavericks continued success this season. Wes Matthews had one of his better scoring performances of the year. He posted 18 points and three assists over 33 minutes, despite shooting just 33 percent from the field. Matthews has really struggled with his shot of late, combining to shoot a dreadful 8-of-33 from the floor over his last three games. Matthews is a career 44 percent shooter from the field, though, so expect his numbers to increase moving forward. Zaza Pachulia chipped in with a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double as well.
Despite coming off the bench for his third straight game following a minor calf injury, Avery Bradley still was able to have some decent production. In 31 minutes, he did a little bit of everything, recording 18 points (7-17 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, three assists and four steals before fouling out late. The rebounds and steals were both season-highs for the guard, who could move back into the starting lineup as early as Friday. Starting in his place, Isaiah Thomas had a solid all-around showing. He finished with a team-high of 19 points (7-16 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 4-6 FT), to go along with six assists and three steals. Thomas had scored 20 points or more over the Cetlics' last three games, all of which resulted in wins, but his production Wednesday wasn't enough to keep the streak going. Jared Sullinger added a double-double with 18 points (7-19 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT) and 12 rebounds over 30 minutes.
The Celtics will remain at home to play the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, while the Mavericks will be at home against the Utah Jazz on Friday as well.
