DALLAS, TX – The Dallas Mavericks (34-27) hosted the Philadelphia 76ers (35-26) on Sunday afternoon in American Airlines center. This was the first of a three game homestand for Dallas. The Mavs have lost three of their last four games before Sunday’s matchup against the 76ers. After Sunday’s loss the Mavs have now lost four of their last five after being defeated by the 76ers 120-116.
Dallas started the game off hot going on a 11-0 run taking a quick lead but that was short lived with the help of Tyrese Maxey from Philly. He had 17 points in the first quarter to give the 76ers a 10-point lead entering the second quarter.
The Mavs climbed back but still entered halftime down 56-51. They held Maxey to just two points in the second half but they turned the ball over too many times to take the lead. The Mavs average 12 turnovers a game and they had 11 in the first half alone. Philly was struggling from downtown only shooting 18 percent from beyond the three-point line. Mavs knocked down seven threes in the first half.
Philly came out hot to start the third quarter. Philly went on a 16-8 run taking a 13-point lead forcing Dallas to take a timeout. Tobias Harris starting to stack up points for Philly. He had 20 to with 7:30 left in the quarter. Outside of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving there wasn’t much movement in the offense with the Mavs. Turnovers did not get any better in the second half, they racked up 14 by the end of the third. Mavs were down 14 points entering the fourth quarter.
The Mavs held Maxey to four points in the second half. Philly had three players score 20+ points tonight; Maxey, Harris, and Oubre Jr. For the Mavs besides Doncic, Irving, and Jones Jr.
Dallas made it interesting and came back within seven with 3:36 left. Irving hit a jumper to bring the game within five with one minute left. Philly was up at one point by 18 points, Mavs came back with the final seconds of the game down five.
Luka Doncic finished the night with 38 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. He’s the fourth player in NBA history to have three straight 30 point triple-double games.
The Mavs will be back in American Airlines Center on Tuesday to take on the Indianapolis Pacers at 7:30 PM.
