To sustain a 10-game winning streak, things must go your way every now and then.
Tuesday was one of those times for the Dallas Mavericks, going up against the Golden State Warriors, who are no longer coached by Don Nelson.
With Tyson Chandler sick and unable to play, the Mavericks were missing an average of 26.7 minutes and 9.3 rebounds in the middle of their lineup. After starter Brendan Haywood was tagged with two early fouls, the Mavericks put their depth on display at center.
Enter Ian Mahinmi and Alexis Ajinca. Not household names, I know.
Before Tuesday, Mahinmi had played in 12 games this season and averaged less than two points in just over four minutes per game. He threw those stats out the window. Tuesday he saw the court for an even 21 minutes and put together 12 points and 10 boards for the only Mavs’ double-double of the night.
Alexis Ajinca was only in his second game. He made an impression with six rebounds, two blocks and three points in just over nine minutes. Shawn Marion also tallied six boards. Dirk Nowitzki got four blocks and Haywood denied three balls.
Another former Mavericks’ head coach will be in town Thursday when Avery Johnson brings his 6-16 Nets to American Airlines Center.
Statistical Note: 24 lead changes and 11 ties tells you how close this game was for its entirety.
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