The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 98-96. The Mavericks made the decision to start Javale McGee and it went predictably poorly. Luka Doncic rescued them from their offensive doldrums while taking ample part in their defensive miscues. The Nets built a 14-point lead in the first quarter before Doncic’s offensive push got the Mavericks back to within five at 34-29.
When Kevin Durant left the game, the Nets simply did not have anyone to score. The Mavericks bench lineup, led by Josh Green, did a fantastic job of putting the clamps on the Nets and holding them to 16 points in the second quarter.