The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Detroit Pistons 127-117. It was another typical sluggish start for the Mavericks, as the Pistons took a quick lead, led by Jerami Grant’s 15 points in the first quarter, and shot 64 percent. Luka Doncic’s 11 points in the first quarter put the Mavericks within reach, but the Pistons took a 36-33 lead after one.
Dallas, however, got stuck in the second quarter and threw out a zone that suffocated the Pistons to some extent. Its accuracy is only 43 percent of their efforts compared to the 58 percent of the Mavericks. Led by Jalen Brunson’s strong quarter, the Mavericks finally found a rhythm to take a 67-58 lead at halftime.
Dallas used the zone to start the second half, but Detroit cut a few holes in the defensive armor and cut the lead to four points halfway through third place. The Mavericks took the plunge to extend the lead by one and hold a 100-90 lead in fourth position.
The Mavericks looked like they put the Pistons away early in fourth place, but Detroit hung around and forced the Mavericks to let their horses run to the last buzzer. The Pistons threatened the lead and cut it to a few figures a few times, but the Mavericks kept up behind Doncic’s 30 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
Here are some more observations from the game:
Jalen Brunson steps up
When Rick Carlisle left the door open for a change in lineup, Brunson would be included in the starting lineup. His first style joins Doncic, and the Mavericks need a point of shot with the beginners.
Although the thought did not materialize, Brunson still put his stamp on the game before the first half ended. At halftime, Brunson had 18 points (8-of-9 shooting) and he scored nine straight points to give the Mavericks a cushion in the second quarter after a sluggish start. He cooled down in the second half, but not before the damage was done. Dallas looked embarrassed badly before Brunson founded the ship. He ended the game with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting and delivered the game-sealing game with about a minute to go. With the Pistons forcing the ball out of Doncic’s hands, Brunson was able to attack and dunk the open man for anyone. It was indicative of Brunson’s all night.
Jerami Grant’s Bad Problems Sink The Pistons
Utilizing Dwight Powell in the starting lineup, Jerami Grant burst out of the gate with 15 first points. Dallas had no answer, and the Pistons controlled the first 12 minutes while Grant had his way. In the second quarter, he picked up his third offense and sat for the majority, so Dallas took advantage. After attempting eight shots in the first quarter, Grant was unable to shoot a shot in the second and third quarters.
The Pistons collapsed with Grant off the floor, and luckily the Mavericks did what they had to do. When Grant found his rhythm again, the hill was too high to climb. We will not think of the alternative universe where Grant avoids picking up his third offense in the second.
Kristaps Porzingis was stunned
His stats are not awful. He finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. He shot 6-of-13 and made two of his five tries. But he feels invisible and picks out his fifth offense to make contact with Josh Jackson on a jump shot. His highlight came when he jumped the passing lane, stole the ball and hit home at halftime. But he felt like a bystander too many times, and his defensive presence was especially lacking. The Pistons did not have much resistance on the sidelines, and that is partly why the Mavericks played so much zone. Dallas needs Porzingis to perform at the defensive end to be a threat, so he will hopefully return to form soon.
Dallas returns against the Lakers on Thursday night with a chance to win field.
Here is the post game podcast, Mavs Moneyball After Dark. If you can not see the embedded under “More of Mavs Moneyball”, click here. And if you have not already done so, sign up by searching for “Mavs Moneyball podcast” in your favorite podcast app.