The Mavericks and Pelicans tipped off in the Smoothie King center and nearly lit the place on fire. Though the Mavs were down Dennis Smith Jr. and his explosion, J.J. Barea was able to fill in and run the offense like only Barea does. Dallas finished the quarter shooting a blistering 58 percent from the field, led by Harrison Barnes’ eight points and Nerlens Noel’s six. Unfortunately, the Mavs couldn’t stop the Pelicans as they shot 57 percent from the field. Dallas took a slim lead after one, 30-29.
The Mavs kept cooking in the second quarter and rattled off a 10-0 run, scoring on nine of their first 10 possesions, to open the second frame.