Monta Ellis scores 20, Mavericks blow out Wizards
The Dallas Mavericks had an impressive game shooting the ball in this one, going 43-82 (52.4%) from the field, including 8-15 (53.3%) from three-point range, to easily get by the Washington Wizards, 114-87. Dallas (23-10) is now on a three-game winning streak.
Monta Ellis put up 20 points on 8-15 shooting. Dirk Nowitzki also chipped in for Dallas, finishing with 13 points and eight rebounds. Despite the loss, Kris Humphries scored 11 points off the bench for Washington on 4-5 shooting from the field and 3-4 from the free throw line. He also recorded seven rebounds. John Wall added 11 points and eight assists.
In a battle of strength versus strength, the high-powered offense of Dallas (ranked second in the NBA in offensive efficiency) emerged victorious over the defense of Washington (ranked fifth in defensive efficiency), scoring 1.15 points per possession. Along with their eFG% of 57.3%, the Mavericks connected at a rate of 53.3% from 3-point range. On the season, they are 6-1 when they record marks above 55% and 40% in those respective categories. Conversely, the Wizards are 1-1 when allowing their opponents to reach those percentages.
This drops Washington (22-9) to 0-2 against Dallas on the year.
Coming up, the Mavericks take on the Boston Celtics, who are 10-18 on the season. The Wizards match up against the Oklahoma City Thunder, currently sitting at 15-17 this year. The Mavericks have a 1-0 record against Boston this season.
