WES Matthews and the Dallas Mavericks let it rain from deep while locking down on defense in the second half to add to the December woes of the Los Angeles Lakers with a 101-89 win at the Staples Center on Thursday (Friday, Manila time)
Dallas overcame a 10-0 Lakers run to start the second quarter as the Mavs fell behind by as much as 11, 37-26 and trailed 57-50 at the break. The Mavs came storming back with a 13-0 blitz in the third to regain control, 73-65, with over three minutes left in the period.
Matthews had back-to-back triples in the pivotal run as he scored 10 of his 20 points in the third, almost outscoring the entire Lakers squad in the period, as Dallas took an 81-70 lead into the fourth.
The shooting rampage continued for Dallas in the fourth, with the inside-outside game humming to lead by as much as 15, 92-77, with over five minutes left. The Lakers could only manage to get within 12 the rest of the way.
Seven Mavs sank at least one triple as they hit 14-of-31 from beyond the arc. Harrison Barnes finished with 17 points, while Dwight Powell and Devin Harris scored 14 apiece off the bench. Dallas improved to 10-23.
The Lakers own a 2-14 record in December after 10-10 start, and have lost two in a row despite getting five players in double figures. Julius Randle had 18 points while Nick Young finished with 17 markers. Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russel scored 15 apiece, and Lakers top scorer Lou Williams was held to 10.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
