Dallas Outlasts New Orleans’ Offensive Surge

Dallas defeats New Orleans 127-123 March 4, 2020.

© 2020 Miss Ari Photography

Dallas - While the home crowd eagerly awaited a Zion Williamson sighting, it was the presence of New Orleans players Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball that made Wednesday evening’s 127-123 Dallas victory especially hard-fought.

Ingram scored 27 points. Ball added 25 points, making seven three point baskets. Williamson contributed 21 points for the Pelicans.

Dallas starter Dorian Finney-Smith left the game in the first half with an apparent hip injury, leaving the Mavericks without one of their better defenders and his constant contribution of second-chance points. 

Kristaps Porzingis led all scorers with 34 points. The big man also added 12 rebounds and blocked five shots. Luka Doncic totaled 30 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists Wednesday night, earning his 14th triple-double of the season. Doncic passed Dallas legend Jason Kidd Wednesday night by earning his 22nd triple double – he now has more triple doubles than any player in Mavericks’ history.

With a balanced offensive attack from both teams and a hectic final quarter, the night’s matchup proved entertaining for the Dallas crowd. Nicolo Melli scored his first basket of the night for the Pelicans with just seconds remaining on the clock, inevitably sending the game into overtime with a 112-112 tie. 

Overtime was all about the collaboration of Doncic and Porzingis. The two now appear more in sync than ever before this season. The Mavericks simply did a lot of things right in overtime and outlasted the Pelicans.

“I’ve been just playing my game,” Porzingis shared postgame. “It took me a little bit of time to figure out my spots and when to be aggressive.”