<font size="-1">By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News</font> Series: Mavs won first meeting, 102-94; Bulls lead, 26-24, all time. Key matchup Luol Deng vs. Adrian Griffin: The last time Deng was at AAC, he dropped 30 points on the Mavericks in a 107-100 Chicago win last season. He had 25 points off the bench in the meeting last month in Chicago, hitting 10 of 15 shots. The Mavericks always seem to have trouble getting a handle on him. Griffin had one of his best games of the season at Chicago, notching 14 points and 12 rebounds. But it will be his defense that is most important against Deng. Inside the Bulls Model of inconsistency: Chris Duhon's numbers are markedly better this season than in his rookie year, but he remains a bit erratic. After a game-best 26 points against Toronto last week, he came back to score one point in 27 minutes against Washington. He's averaged almost 13 points in their wins, less than eight in their losses. Briefly: They average fewer than 23 free throw attempts per game, ranking among the bottom five in the league in getting to the line. ... Getting to 100 points is critical for them. They are 14-3 when doing so. Inside the Mavericks Long-range (field) goals: In the last 17 games, they are shooting 42.5 percent from 3-point range. They are almost unbeatable (17-2) when shooting 40 percent or better from outside the arc. They were 7 of 13 (53.8 percent) Saturday against Utah. Keith Van Horn has led the way, hitting 10 of 16 in his last five games. Briefly: They have won 14 of the last 15 meetings in the series after losing 18 of 19 during the Michael Jordan era. ... This game will close out January, in which they already have won 12 times. Their streak of six consecutive complete months with 10 or more wins is a franchise record.
Howard seems to be moving more comfortably and quicker now and with his arm length I think while Griffin may start out on Deng we will see Howard have effective minutes against the Luolephant (seriously, his arms are as long as an elephant's trunk). But as you know Mav, the Bulls are the sum of several very good parts. They have at least 7 to 8 guys who can do everything well, and their record is starting to show it.
Should be another good game as the Bulls/Dallas game was in December. Dirk is going to have a big night again I believe as the Bulls really don't have anyone to put on him... it IS possible though that the ressurrected Tyson Chandler can stick him and maybe put some pressure on him with blocks and his height, we'll see. Deng has been playing great as of late and even with AG on him I still think he'll have a decent night. My Prediction- Dallas 102 Chicago 98
Josh Howard with a tremendous half. The whole team is playing with tons of energy. The Bulls are helping them though with missing free throws and not matching the intensity. Here is the boxscore at the half.
Wow. The mavs blew a 30 lead. They were lucky to hold on at the end. A disappointing second half but a win is a win.
i dont think there's ever a game where dallas is consistent thruout the whole game...always shaky to the end, luckily not at the end where griffin saved us. not a spare at all!
Mavs 98 Bulls 94 Grades: Mavs Nearly Blow 30 Point Lead Actually, no grades since I haven’t been able to watch the taped game yet….High School ball comes first! Howard: Josh leads the Mav with 22 points and 9 rebounds. +24 Nowitzki: Dirk backs up Josh with 21 points and 7 rebounds. +20 Diop: DeSagana had only 2 rebounds and 1 blocked shot in 19 minutes. Zero turnovers. +7 Terry: Jason scored 13 points but took 13 shots from the field to get there. +12 Griffin: Adrian grabbed 6 rebounds, scored 4 points and dished 4 assists. +12 Van Horn: Keith pitches in 12 points and 5 rebounds in 20 minutes. +14 Dampier: Erick pitched in 4 points and 6 rebounds. +8 Stackhouse: Jerry went 3-13 from the field to get to 9 points. +0 Daniels: Marquis had 4 points in 8 minutes. Zero turnovers. +9 Harris: Devin has 3 points (1-4 FG, 1-1 FT) and 3 assists. +2 Armstrong : DNP-CD. M’Benga: DNP-CD. Marshall : DNP-CD. Powell: DNP-CD. Podkolzin: DNP-CD, Pavel had surgery to repair his right foot and ankle. Typical Chef Ed Type
The Bulls really missed Songaila's defense and heady presence. He must have had a bug to only play 3:47.
