Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki was in attendance at Staples Center on Sunday as the Mavs ended the Los Angeles Lakers' 10-game winning streak with an impressive 114-110 win.
Sophomore sensation Luka Doncic once again led the way with a near triple-double of 27 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists, but head coach Rick Carlisle believes the German's presence played a big factor in their victory.
Rick Carlisle on Dirk Nowitzki being courtside against the #Lakers: “Fantastic!” Says #Mavs players “love having him around” also said he’s a “Good luck charm”
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) December 1, 2019
Figuring in many epic battles against the Purple and Gold throughout his storied 21-year career, Nowitzki was honored by the Lakers with a touching video tribute.
The Mavs did play inspired basketball with Nowitzki watching from the sidelines, as they outplayed the NBA-leading team in the second half en route to victory. Anthony Davis (27 points and 10 rebounds) and LeBron James (25 points, nine rebounds, eight assists) still got their numbers, but they limited the team's other players from producing their usual impact.
Apart from LA's dynamic duo, only Alex Caruso finished in double figures with 10 points and four rebounds. The Mavs, on the other hand, received ample production as three other players finished in double figures. Delon Wright was a pleasant surprise with 17 points and nine assists, while bigs Kristaps Porzingis and Dwight Powell pitched in 15 markers apiece.
The Mavs and the Lakers split their first two meetings of the 2019-20 NBA regular season. Dallas avenged the 119-110 overtime loss at the hands of LA last month. With the win, Dallas is now tied with the Houston Rockets for fourth place in the Western Conference with a 13-6 slate.
Rick Carlisle and the Mavericks have won seven of their last 10 matches. The Lakers, meanwhile, are tied with the Milwaukee Bucks for the best record in the league at 17-3.
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