San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks: Key Performances and Game Notes

The San Antonio Spurs lost 99-93 to the Dallas Mavericks on the road. The Spurs were without Tony Parker (left hamstring), Tim Duncan (rest), Manu Ginobili (rest) and Kawhi Leonard (right hand bruise). The Spurs have now lost four straight games, their longest losing streak since late March in 2011, when they lost six straight games.

Game Notes

Dec 20, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach

gives instructions to guard

(9) during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Spurs 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

-Rajon Rondo made his for the Mavericks. Rondo was traded for Brandan Wright, Jae Crowder, Jameer Nelson and two draft picks. Rondo finished with 6 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds.

–Dwight Powell, who was traded to Dallas along with Rondo, in the deal on Thursday, didn’t play on Saturday (coach’s decision).

-Key in the Game: Turnovers

Spurs 19 Mavericks 12

-Spurs were 26/26 from the Free-Throw Stripe (Matt Bonner 8/8)

–Monta Ellis: Season High 38 points, 13 in 4th Quarter

–Aron Baynes: Career High 16 Points

–Danny Green and Tiago Splitter Were Active, But Didn’t Play (rest)

Key Spurs Performers

Marco Belinelli– Marco Belinelli was scheduled to get heavy minutes with Leonard and Parker out, but he got a surprise start as Green rested. Belinelli led the Spurs with 21 points on 7-16 from the field. The surprising thing about his performance is that he didn’t hit a three. His five turnovers and defense on Ellis were concerning though.

Aron Baynes- As I stated above, Baynes had a career high 16 points. Baynes also finished with 10 rebounds. The performance wasn’t surprising as Baynes is averaging 6.8 points and 4.7 rebounds in limited minutes (16.3 minutes).

Matt Bonner- When you think about Matt Bonner, you think about his ability to shoot the ball. Today, Bonner did the unthinkable, he scored in double digits (14 points), without taking a single three. He also went 8-8 from the free throw line.