Mavericks at Pelicans
The Dallas Mavericks are starting to show signs of life in what otherwise has been a disappointing season. The Mavericks aim for their first three-game winning streak of the campaign Monday when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans.
Things still aren't coming easy for the Mavericks, who nipped Portland by a point before slipping past the Los Angeles Clippers by two in their last two outings, but the one constant this season has been the emergence of Harrison Barnes. Barnes totaled 52 points in the last two contests and hit the game-winner against the Clippers, telling reporters afterward that "it means a lot when the coaches and players trust you to take that shot." The Pelicans also are coming to life a bit, as they've won two of three including an impressive come-from-behind win against the Miami Heat on Friday. Anthony Davis registered 28 points and a career-high 22 rebounds with four blocked shots and will most certainly be the focus of the Dallas defense in this one.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Dallas), FSN New Orleans
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (9-21): Dallas got a boost against the Clippers with the return of Dirk Nowitzki, who scored 17 points in 15 minutes after missing the previous 14 games with an Achilles injury. Wesley Matthews chipped in 16 points but has shot under 38 percent from the field in five of his last six games and is 2-of-15 from 3-point land in the last two outings. Point guard Deron Williams had shot at least 50 percent in four straight games before going 5-of-16 against Los Angeles, although his stat line of 12 points, nine assists and five rebounds wasn't too shabby.
ABOUT THE PELICANS (11-21): New Orleans trailed by 14 late in the third quarter against Miami but rallied behind Davis, who had 19 points and 14 rebounds after halftime. The Pelicans' star is averaging 29.7 points and 11.5 rebounds, not to mention a league-high 2.7 blocks, but he continues to need more support from his teammates. Jrue Holiday has stepped up over the last two games to score 23 and 22 points, respectively, while shooting 18-of-32 from the field with 16 assists in that span.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Dallas won the first matchup this season 91-81 behind 23 points from Barnes while Davis had 36 points and 13 rebounds for New Orleans.
2. Barnes scored in double figures in every game this season and he has gone nine straight contests without recording fewer than 15 points.
3. Pelicans rookie G Buddy Hield is averaging 8.1 points overall, but totaled five on 1-of-11 shooting in the last two games.