Mavericks at Knicks
THE STORY: Two players familiar with NBA word play face off Sunday afternoon when Vince Carter and the Dallas Mavericks tangle with Jeremy Lin and the host New York Knicks. Carter was known as “Vinsanity” – among other things – during the prime of his illustrious career. Now a role player in Dallas, Carter will get his first look at “Linsanity,” the latest craze to envelop the league and its fans. Lin is coming off his first loss since taking over as the Knicks' starting point guard – and his nine turnovers played a contributing role in that defeat.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, ABC
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (20-11): Games against the Knicks traditionally bring out the best in the NBA's elite players – and Dirk Nowitzki is no exception. Last season's NBA Finals MVP has had tremendous success in his career against New York, averaging 24.3 points and nine rebounds. He was especially tough on them last season, averaging 26 points and 10 rebounds while making all 15 of his foul shots in a pair of meetings.
ABOUT THE KNICKS (15-16): Few could have predicted that the New Orleans Hornets would be the first team to quiet the Lin hype, but that's exactly how things played out Friday night. Lin posted 26 points but had just five assists while recording the bulk of the Knicks' 21 turnovers on the night. It has been a consistent issue with the unheralded Harvard grad; he's averaging 24.6 points and 8.9 assists as a starter, but his 6.4 turnovers are easily the most in the NBA.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Dallas swept the season series in 2010-11, averaging 120 points in the two-game set.
2. Lin has already committed at least eight turnovers in a game three times this season.