The Dallas Mavericks have now beaten the Lakers nine straight times, and a lot of different ways. In a 90-82 win at home, the Mavs proved they can win without a big impact night from leading scorer Dirk Nowitzki, who scored just nine points. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle is looking for contributions from every player on the roster — and he’s getting what he wants. Dwight Powell grabbed 12 boards to go along with 10 points for the Mavericks, who also got 18 points and 16 boards from Zaza Pachulia. That may sound surprising until you realize Powell is averaging 10.7 points, eight rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
Pachulia is averaging a double double, 10.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists. The Mavs are largely a new team for 2015-2016 and they’re gelling quickly. Outstanding swingman Wesley Matthews is new and thriving. In his new Mavs uniform, guard Deron Williams looks stronger than he has in years. Pachulia is new to the Mavs. Powell has already played nearly as many minutes (191) as he played all last season as a Maverick (227). The 5-4 Mavericks take a 2-game win streak to Houston to face the Rockets next.
