Mavericks win first game against the Bucks 86-74 while Harrison Barnes dominates

After an uncomfortably long five-game losing streak to start the season, Dallas pulled off their first win of the season with a 86-74 win against the Milwaukee Bucks. Dirk Nowitzki didn’t play. Deron Williams didn’t play. Wesley Matthews shot 3-17 from the field. And yet Dallas still won. How did this happen?

Dallas’ defense showed up big holding the Bucks to 74 points in regulation and one point in OT. Tonight was a coming out party for Dorian Finney-Smith, who received the game ball tonight.

With rotations featuring Harrison Barnes, Wesley Matthews, and Finney-Smith, the Mavericks could make defensive switches with ease. Andrew Bogut and Salah Mejri’s defensive presence inside solidified a…