Mavericks (23-34), Pelicans (23-36)
DALLAS – After a very evenly played game for three-plus quarters Saturday, Dallas finally created some breathing room late, pulling away from New Orleans for a division victory. The Pelicans dropped to 0-2 since acquiring three-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, struggling with some of the same shooting and turnover problems that plagued them Thursday vs. Houston. New Orleans shot just 39.7 percent from the field and coughed up 20 turnovers, exactly the same number it committed against the Rockets, and one shy of its season high.
New Orleans couldn’t capitalize on a big offensive night from Anthony Davis, who piled up 39 points on 17/34 shooting from the field.