The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Los Angles Lakers 109-97 at Staples Center on Wednesday.
In a game that was tight throughout, the more veteran team prevailed in the final minutes. Dallas actually finished the game on a 20-6 run over the final eight minutes, as Los Angles seemingly couldn’t make a shot. The Mavericks won nearly every statistic, as they led in shooting, assisting, steals, blocks and turnovers. The most notable margin was the shooting, as the Mavericks shot 52 percent from the field and 87 percent from the free-throw line.
Dallas (2-5) have gotten off to a rough start this season with some injury troubles, but were able to pull out a big road win here. Dirk Nowitzki and Deron Williams are both dealing with injuries, so J.J. Barea amd Harrison Barnes have really stepped up in their absence. Barea flirted with a triple-double in this win, totaling 18 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Barnes led the team in scoring, dropping 31 points on 11-of-18 shooting. Justin Anderson, Dwight Powell and Seth Curry were the only three players to come off the bench, as they each provided at least 10 points and four rebounds. Curry was especially good, amassing 23 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Dallas has a tough task ahead of them though, as they travel to play the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday for their next game.
The Lakers (4-4) were undefeated in their home building coming into this, but folded late in the fourth quarter. Jordan Clarkson led the team in scoring, as he totaled 22 points and three steals off the bench. Nick Young led all starters, as he dropped 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Julius Randle recorded a double-double, tallying 15 points and 10 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell too just nine shots in the defeat, but still finished with 12 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Los Angeles will make a small traveling trip for their next game, as they play the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.
