The Mavericks finally broke their losing streak, beating the Hawks 122-116. Luka Doncic had 27 points and 14 assists. He also went 10-10 from the free throw line. John Collins led the way for the Hawks, scoring 35.
There were a few times the outcome looked in doubt, but in the end the Mavericks got their first win in six games. Here are five stats that explain how.
120: The Mavericks are 4-0 when scoring 120+ points.
The offense came in spurts against the Hawks, but the Mavericks were able to put up 122 points. The last time they score 120 or more was against the Spurs on Jan. 22. Dallas came into this season with a focus on defense, and they’ve been better at times in that regard, but the offense has suffered. If they can find a rhythm and get some easier buckets, it’ll make winning so much easier.
19.5: Trae Young’s scoring average against the Mavericks.
Young is averaging less than 20 against Dallas, the second lowest he scores against any opponent. Only the Warriors have held him to a lower scoring average. Any time Doncic and Young match up it’ll be billed as a one-on-one affair, but so far the Mavericks have frustrated Young.
13: The number of offensive rebounds for the Mavericks.
The Mavericks have been absolutely killed on the boards all season, but tonight they showed some energy and heart. They had 13 offensive rebounds, same as Atlanta, and in this case a tie is a win for Dallas. Those offensive boards led to 14 second-chance points.
3: Trae Young’s free throws.
Young averaged 10.7 free throws per game coming into tonight’s matchup with Dallas, second highest in the league. The Mavericks held him to only three in 36 minutes, one of which was a technical free throw.
20: The Mavericks are 3-0 when three players score 20+ points in a game.
Doncic scored 27, Kristaps Porzingis put up 24, and Tim Hardaway Jr. came away with 22 points tonight. It sounds simple, but the Mavericks just need more guys to score if they’re going to win. Doncic will get his numbers and get open looks for his teammates. It’s up to them to convert those looks into points, and the Mavericks did that tonight.
