The Dallas Mavericks decided on Saturday afternoon that they were going to rest Dirk Nowitzki for the second night of a back-to-back. After earning a tough victory against the Toronto Raptors 106-102 on Friday night, they were tired but ready for a game against the Philadelphia 76ers, who they crushed at home earlier in the season.
This game was much tougher for Dallas this time around. But Dallas was able to earn the victory by keeping the ball in their hands. They only had 12 turnovers in this contest compared to 24 for the 76ers. One thing that no one expected heading into this game though, was that Tyson Chandler would be the leading scorer for the Mavericks in the contest. He had a solid double-double tonight with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 steals. He also led both teams by having a plus-minus of +29 in the game. Not only was he scoring effectively, but he was playing that always excellent Tyson Chandler defense. He was met in double figures by fellow Mavericks Monta Ellis (18), Chandler Parsons (17), Devin Harris (15), Charlie Villenueva (11), and Richard Jefferson (10).
The loss for the 76ers overshadows the excellent game had by their point guard Michael Carter-Williams. He scored 18 points, had 10 rebounds, and a whopping 16 assists in the game. Can't ask for much of anything more from your point guard than a game like that, and triple-doubles are always exciting. The 76ers were led in scoring tonight by bench player K.J. McDaniels (21), Alexey Shved (18), Henry Sims (13), Nerlens Noel (10), and Hollis Thompson (10).
The question remains of when the Philadelphia 76ers (0-16) will get their first win. They play at home to open December against the San Antonio Spurs, who are always difficult to defeat. The victory puts the Mavericks to 13-5, and they are 2 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for best record in the Western Conference. But at this time they would still only be ranked sixth in the conference.