Mavs Youth Secure Big Win over Denver 97-88

Dwight Powell had a career-high 16 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a much needed victory. 

Dwight Powell and Justin Anderson lead the Dallas Mavericks to a critical win over the Denver Nuggets.

by Rodney Fisher

After losing 10 of the their last 12 games, the Mavs needed a big spark from someone. Coach Rick Carlisle has been going deep into his bench looking for someone to step up and provide the needed energy to get this team a win. Tonight, their youngest players on the roster in Dwight Powell and Justin Anderson delivered.

Anderson came alive in the third quarter with key defensive plays and shots on his way to 11 points shooting 5-8 from the floor. Powell put the game away in the fourth quarter going 5-5 on his way to a career-high 16 points. Both young players got the start tonight.

Dwight Powell on his career night:

"You got to always stay ready because opportunity is always around the corner...The guys keep telling me to keep shooting my shots and I did."

J.J. Barea led the team in scoring with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Deron Williams missed another game due to back soreness and David Lee played on 3:52 total.

"Both did a great job. Both grinding on defense and played within themselves. I felt that right now we had to make the point that anything other than your best energy or best effort will not be tolerated" - Rick Carlisle

Key State: Dallas tied a franchise record for turnovers with only four.

With the win the Mavericks move into the 8th and final playoff spot tied with the Houston Rockets who play the Cleveland Cavaliers tomorrow without Lebron James.

The Mavs will come back home to Dallas to face the New York Knicks in another must win game.