Friday, January 13, 2017

Mavericks Outlast Suns in Mexico City, 113-108

(photo credit: Dallas Mavericks/Twitter)
The NBA continues to stretch its borders with a pair of games in other countries on Thursday evening. While the Denver Nuggets put a 140-112 drubbing on the Indiana Pacers in London, England, the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns put on a more competitive show for the residents of Mexico City, with the Mavericks pulling away, 113-108.

For the Mavericks, all five starters finished in double figures. Deron Williams and Harrison Barnes led the way with 23 and 22 points, respectively, while Dirk Nowitzki and Wesley Matthews both had 18, and Seth Curry contributed 12. Dwight Powell scored 10 of Dallas' 20 points off the bench. Williams ended with 12 assists, and four of the starters (all but Barnes) connected on at least three 3-point attempts.

For the Suns, Devin Booker did everything he could to keep Phoenix in the game. He scored 39 points in 37 minutes, shooting 14 for 20 from the field, including six for seven from beyond the arc. Tyson Chandler added 14 points and 19 rebounds down low.

Phoenix had a 59-57 lead at halftime, but Deron Williams' jumper just 68 seconds in gave Dallas a 62-59 lead that they would never relinquish. The deficit got as high as 76-63 later in the third quarter, but stayed within reach to the end.

The game was played in front of 19,874 at Mexico City Arena. With the victory, Dallas improved to a tied record with Phoenix of 12-27.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Nuggets Beat Pacers 140-112


(photo credit: Denver Nuggets/Twitter)
After a five-game losing streak, The Denver Nuggets got a much needed win against The Indiana Pacers in London today. The Nuggets were lead by their skilled big man Josif Nurkic who lead them with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Mike Malone's squad played unfazed while competing in the NBA's seventh ever game in London at O2 Arena. Danilo Gallinari also contributed with 18 points which Coach Malone called his best game so far this season.

The Nuggets outscored The Pacers 39-20 in the third quarter and shot 73.7 percent in that period to put the game away. CJ Miles scored 20 and point guard Jeff Teague added 14 points and nine assists for the Pacers. The Nuggets hot start was due to Gallinari making 3 field goals from beyond the arc in the first quarter and the entire team finishing 15-32 from three.

This loss for Indiana snapped a five-game winning streak and leaves them sixth in the Eastern Conference. Both teams will have their next game this coming Monday as The Pacers will have a rematch against The Pelicans and The Nuggets will host the Orlando Magic.