DALLAS: The Hornets fittingly turned to an old-school NBA tactic – the post-up game – to record Charlotte’s first NBA victory in Dallas since 1998.
Center Al Jefferson scored a season-high 31 points on 15-of-18 shooting and Marvin Williams added 17 points and 12 rebounds as the Hornets pulled away in the second half and beat the Mavericks 108-94 on Thursday night.
The victory was the first in Dallas following 11 straight defeats for the franchise that began as the Charlotte Bobcats in 2004-05. The Mavericks had run off 14 straight home wins over Charlotte's two NBA teams since the original Hornets won at Reunion Arena in January 1998.
The 30-year-old Jefferson, a Boston Celtics rookie in 2004-05, was not only terrific shooting and rebounding (9) but also served as the hub of the Hornets' entire offense. Charlotte coach Steve Clifford cited the advantages of having an effective post-up game, particularly when defending a lead late.
With Jefferson leading the inside game, the Hornets outscored the Mavericks 58-36 on points in the paint. They out-shot Dallas 51.2 percent to 29.5 in the second half and led by as many as 24 points early in the fourth quarter.
With Jefferson leading the inside game, the Hornets outscored the Mavericks 58-36 on points in the paint. They out-shot Dallas 51.2 percent to 29.5 in the second half and led by as many as 24 points early in the fourth quarter.
Quarter by quarter
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FINAL SCORE
Dallas Mavericks 23 13 14 27 94
Charlotte Hornets 27 27 24 30 108
Results:
Charlotte Hornets 108 beat Dallas Mavericks 94, Chicago Bulls 104 beat Oklahoma City Thunder 98
Minnesota Timberwolves 84 beat Miami Heat 96, Utah Jazz 96 beat Denver Nuggets 84, Portland Trailblazers 115 beat Memphis Grizzlies 96
