Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Washington Wizards have put together a game effort so far in Dallas against the defending champion Mavericks. Washington led by as many as four, but the Mavs closed out the half on a run to build their lead to ten - their largest lead through the first 24 minutes. The Mavs lead 60-51 heading into the locker room at American Airlines Center.
As was the case last night in San Antonio, it's the defensive end giving the Wizards trouble in Texas. The Spurs had 20 plus assists in the first half last night, and the Mavericks have executed with that same ball movement tonight, dishing 16 assists while shooting 62 percent from the floor. Reigning Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki went off in the first half, hitting eight of nine shots and scoring a game-high 20 points.
Washington is once again holding its own on the offensive end, shooting better than 50 percent from the floor and committing only five turnovers. Nick Young leads the Wizards with nine points, while John Wall has eight points and five assists. But again, they will have to get stops on the defensive end if they want to pull even and have a chance at upsetting the Mavs.
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