On Friday, the Mavericks trailed the Pelicans by two with a few seconds left and a sideline inbounds on the way. Rick Carlisle got sassy, sticking Luka Doncic in the backcourt as a decoy — he drew Jrue Holiday, New Orleans’ best wing defender, out of the play, giving Dallas a 4-on-4. But Dennis Smith, Jr. couldn’t get a shot off in time. The Mavericks lost.
Dennis Smith, Jr. joins Luka Doncic in clutchdom
We have that and more in Monday’s NBA newsletter.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
On Sunday, the Mavericks again had a critical possession late, trailing the Thunder by one with about 30 seconds left. Again Smith had the ball in his hands. He drove the lane in an apparent attempt to get a 2-for-1, but got cut off and dribbled back out a little wildly. As the OKC defense reset, Smith drove again instead of kicking it over to Luka ... and got a clean lay-up off the glass for the lead. It was a really nice make-up moment.
And then Smith stayed in front of a sizzling Paul George on the other end, forcing a tough fadeaway that missed and securing the Dallas victory! What a finish.
Maybe Luka and DSJ can work together after all.
Scores
Pistons 107, Magic 109
Timberwolves 113, Heat 104
Bulls 89, Raptors 95
Thunder 103, Mavericks 105
Sixers 95, Blazers 129
Kings 114, Lakers 121
Schedule
All times Eastern. On League Pass unless otherwise noted.
Hawks at Pacers, 3
Magic at Hornets, 6
Grizzlies at Rockets, 7
Celtics at Spurs, 7, NBA TV
Timberwolves at Pelicans, 8
Mavericks at Thunder, 8
Warriors at Suns, 9
Links
John Wall will miss the rest of the season after heel surgery. What an absolute bummer.
Patrick McCaw finally signed an offer sheet (with the Cavaliers) and it appears the Warriors won’t match. How did this escapade help McCaw’s career?
The NBA put out a letter about tampering in the wake of the LeBron-Anthony Davis lovefest. I wrote that the league should let the Lakers tamper in peace.
Player empowerment is when you’re out with an injury so you show up to the game with a glass of tempranillo.
I can’t believe the Warriors didn’t think of arguing calls by using tablets with replays before Blake Griffin tried it.
And finally: Lou Williams, the coldest dude in all the land, hit a dagger in Lance Stephenson’s face, stole his invisible guitar, and strummed it with a straight face. King of LA.
Happy Gregorian New Year. See you on Wednesday. Be excellent to each other.
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