Oklahoma City Thunder 118, Dallas Mavericks 109
Dallas Mavericks without their “two best
players” according to Mark Cuban in Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis, fall for the second straight game at the American Airlines Center.
Jae Crowder statement- Of the “locks” on this team, this
game belonged to Jae Crowder. Known for his defensive play, he showed off his
offensive work from the offseason and finished with a team-high 14 points (along with Al-Farouq Aminu, who also had 14).
Richard Jefferson makes his case- Last game Charlie
Villanueva stood out and showed he belonged. Tonight it was Jefferson.
Jefferson finished with 13 points, three rebounds, and a steal. At one point in
the third quarter, Jefferson drew a charge on the defensive end, then had a
layup on the offensive end and knocked down a three pointer on the next
offensive possession. Very impressive.
Ricky Ledo sighting- About an hour before the game, Mark Cuban
raved about the talent of Ricky Ledo. When the game started, it was clear why.
Starting in place of the injured Monta Ellis (knee, not believed to be severe),
Ledo had 8 points and knocked down two of his three 3-pointers.
Injury front- Raymond Felton left in the first quarter after
a scary injury to his right ankle after a hard drive to the basket. Per Tim
MacMahon of ESPN Dallas, Felton has a sprained right ankle and X-rays were
negative. He did not return to the game.
Defensive worries- It is just preseason, so maybe we shouldn’t
read too much into it. But after giving up 111 in a loss to Houston on Tuesday,
Dallas gave up 000 to the Thunder and they had six players in double digits.
Kevin Durant(12), Steven Adams(19), Russell Westbrook(13), Anthony Morrow(13),
Jeremy Lamb(13), and Reggie Jackson(13).
What’s next?
Mavs conclude their three-game home stand on
Sunday, welcoming the Indiana Pacers. Dirk Nowitzki is expected to see his
first action of the preseason. Monta Ellis will remain out.
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