Daily Dribble: Mavericks Fall to True Warriors

November 25, 2009 9:46am CST

Warriors Stun Mavericks

The Mavericks came into last night's home game against the Warriors on a five-game winning streak and were playing as well as any team in the Western Conference, despite being short-handed most nights. They played host to the 4-8 Warriors whose coach, Don Nelson, did not travel with the team due to pneumonia. Other Warriors not available - Andris Biedrins (back), Kelenna Azubuike (knee), Raja Bell (wrist), Corey Maggette (hamstring), C.J. Watson (flu), and Ronny Turiaf (knee). Yet, with Keith Smart calling the shots, the Warriors used just six players to hand the Mavericks a 111-103 loss. They became just the third team since the ABA-NBA merger to use only six players in a game and it was just the first time since 1951 that a team played six players and won.

Of course, these two teams have some history. Don Nelson used to coach the Mavericks but had a falling out with owner Mark Cuban. His son still works in the front office. Nelson latched on in Golden State and in 2007 led the eighth seeded Warriors to a huge first round upset over the 67-win Mavericks.

The Warriors won Tuesday's game in much the same fashion as their four wins in that epic playoff series.

"Coming into this game, we had nothing to lose," said Smart, filling in for Nelson. "The worst case is they blow us out and we move on to (Wednesday night's game in San Antonio). But our guys have a lot of character. They played hard together and made the right decisions."

With just over seven minutes left to play, the Mavs led 96-87, but the visiting team closed out on a 24-7 run, as they got red hot, shooting 11-for-17 (65 percent) in the fourth quarter. Rookie Stephen Curry scored 11 of his 18 points during that stretch and also chipped in six assists, four rebounds, and three steals for the game.

But the star of the show was unquestionably Monta Ellis, who repeatedly drove around Jason Kidd and into the lane leading to 29 shots. He hit 15 of them to finish with 37 points, eight assists, four boards, and four steals. Of course, he also had a career-high 11 turnovers. Still, it was his second straight all-star performance (he delivered 34 points, eight assists, six steals, and two blocks in a win over the Trail Blazers last Friday) and he is surpassing the hype that surrounded him heading into the season.

Ellis played all 48 minutes on Tuesday, as did Anthony Morrow and Vladimir Radmanovic. Vlad finished with just his fourth double-double of the past four seasons and Morrow hit 6-of-8 three-pointers to finish with 27 points. He also contributed nine boards, five assists, and three steals.

The Mavericks used nine players, yet were out-rebounded 46-41 by the Warriors. Dirk Nowitzki led the way with 28 points, his ninth straight game with at least 20 points. He also was one of three Mavs with at least 10 boards.

The Warriors seek out their third straight win tonight in San Antonio.

Jamison, Wizards Deliver Win in Tribute to Fallen Owner
Long-time Wizards owner Abe Pollin past away on Tuesday at the age of 85, and two coaches that he hired battled it out in a 108-107 Wizards win. Antawn Jamison delivered 32 points and 14 rebounds and Lou Williams buzzer-beater rimmed out to preserve the win for the mourning franchise.

"I guess Mr. P, he probably contested that last shot better than anybody," Wizards coach Flip Saunders said.

76ers coach Eddie Jordan, whom Pollin hired to coach the Wizards in 2003, seemed to agree. "Maybe Abe's spirit knocked that out," he said afterwards.

The Sixers got a fifth-straight strong performance from Louis Williams, who finished with 26 points and five assists. Over his last five games, the point guard is averaging 23.6 points, 5.2 assists, 2.6 treys, and 2.2 steals while committing just 2.2 turnovers. He has shot 55.1 percent during that stretch. Thaddeus Young finished with his second straight 20+ point effort, but Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala both struggled throughout the evening. They combined to shoot 3-of-19, finishing with 16 points. Brand left the game with a sore left hamstring and will re-evaluated today.

The Wizards got a huge performance from Nick Young, who started in place of the injured Caron Butler (ankle). Young had logged only 44 minutes in their first 12 games, but scored 20 points in 32 minutes on Wednesday. Young should continue to see more minutes with Mike Miller sidelined for the next month.

But the night belonged to Jamison, who is averaging 25 points in four games since returning from a shoulder injury. Afterwards, the veteran reflected on the loss of Pollin.

"I talked to him maybe about a week and a half ago and mentally he was still the same Mr. Pollin," Jamison said, "knowing we were going to turn things around, telling me I'm his guy and he believes in me. After wins, knowing you won't hear that voice saying 'Good job, men,' and 'I believe in you,' it's going to be tough."

Fastbreak
Danny Granger delivered 36 points, nine boards, seven treys, and five assists, but it wasn't enough for the Pacers to overcome the Raptors, who had seven players finish in double figures. Jarrett Jack hit all seven of his shots to finish with 18 points and six assists, while Chris Bosh chipped in 16 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks. Brandon Rush got the starting nod over the red hot Dahntay Jones in the game. Rush scored 11 points in 31 minutes while Jones delivered 12 points in 27 minutes.

In his second game back from a strained groin, Devin Harris finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, six dimes, and three steals in 31 minutes off of the bench. However, he shot just 4-of-14 and the Nets fell to 0-14, their worst start in franchise history. Carmelo Anthony scored 27 for the winning squad while Chauncey Billups was limited to just five points on 1-of-8 shooting.

Kevin Durant led all scorers with 28 as the Thunder won 104-94 in Utah. He also dished eight assists and grabbed five boards. Teammate Jeff Green delivered another all around performance with 19 points, six boards, five assists, four steals, and three treys. Carlos Boozer hit 11-of-15 shots to finish with 26 points. He's averaging 22.8 points over his last six.

Kobe Bryant had 34 points as the Lakers coasted past the visiting Knicks. He converted 14 of his 20 shots. Pau Gasol had just 11 points, but accumulated 16 rebounds and two blocks on the night. The Lakers out-rebounded the Knicks 60-36 in the game.

Stars in Suits
Pacers coach Jim O'Brien says that he expects Mike Dunleavy to return within days. Dunleavy is coming off of major knee surgery and played just 18 games last season. He will play in a rotation along with Brandon Rush and Dahntay Jones.

Tyreke Evans is questionable for Wednesday's bout against the Knicks. He sprained his ankle in Tuesday's practice. The rookie has played exceptionally well over his last seven games.

Manu Ginobili will miss at least one more game with his strained groin, as he has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Warriors. He remains questionable for Sunday's game against the Sixers.

Caron Butler missed Tuesday's game with a sore ankle, but is hoping to return on Friday.

Shawn Marion remains questionable for Wednesday's game against the Rockets. He has already missed three games with a sprained ankle.

Jermaine O'Neal has been dealing with a sore back of late but told coach Erik Spoelstra that he expects to play Wednesday night against Dwight Howard and the Magic.

Tyson Chandler is also expected back for Wednesday's game after reporting no problems with his back following Tuesday's practice. He's missed the last two games for the Bobcats.

Tayshaun Prince and Richard Hamilton are both at least a week away from returning to action and the Pistons feel Prince will return first.

Quentin Richardson will miss another game for the Heat with back spasms, and there's no timetable for his return.