Stats Rundown: 4 important numbers as the Mavericks get outplayed by the Jazz, 115-113

This was a very ugly game, even if the score doesn’t show it

The Dallas Mavericks (5-7), on their 3-game skid, wanted to desperately right the ship against the worst team in the West (and one of the worst teams in the league), in the form of the Utah Jazz (3-8) on their home court, falling 115-113.

Make no mistake, that did not happen.

The Mavericks were even with the Jazz in the first half, before getting run over by them, being down by as much as 16 points in the fourth quarter (11:20). Through sheer determination and the Jazz not scoring any points between the 6:42 mark to the 3:22 mark in the fourth quarter, the Mavericks battled their way back into the game, even taking the lead! Then John Collins dunked on the final bucket of the game, giving the Jazz their first home win.

Here are some stats to go with the game we just witnessed.

5: Number of Lively’s stocks

Dereck Lively was a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end in his limited playing time. He made a difference in this game, and especially down the stretch, where the Mavs rallied from being down 16 to being up 2 at the 1:33 mark in the 4th. With 4 blocks and a steal, he made his presence felt (at least in shot attempts), and had a very positive impact on the team. Without him, the comeback doesn’t happen, but he has to stay out of foul trouble.

4/20: The Mavs’ 3-PT shooting in the second half

The Mavericks were very efficient in the first half, going 8 of 19 and generally taking and making good shots. That all changed in the second half, shown here. Though the game itself had ups and downs, to lose such a close game while shooting like this for the last 24 minutes of a game is truly just frustrating.

-10: The Mavericks’ differential on the boards

30 to 40. 11-16 on the offensive boards, and 19-24 on the defensive. Luka was the only one with above 5 boards this game. Quite simply put, the Mavericks didn’t rebound as well as they could have. Should have, even. The blame here doesn’t fall on anyone particularly, but regardless is a problem that needs to be addressed. Even without P.J. Washington, some effort has to be given to box out and secure rebounds at a higher level than this.

8: Combined points lost by in the last 4 games

Well, enough said. Hopefully they’ll be ready to turn this misfortune around by playing their division rival, the San Antonio Spurs (6-6) at home this Saturday night. Go Mavs.

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