by PegNews wire

Mavs seal the Taco total by the third period in home opener.

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks had this game firmly in the bag from the opening tip-off, thanks to some startling shooting by second-year player J.J. Barea and Dirk Nowitzki. Making just his second NBA start, Barea scored 25 points in three quarters on 9-of-11 shooting, including 4-for-4 on back-breaking three-pointers. Dirk scpred 24 points, also on 9-of-11 shooting, while adding four rebounds and seven assists for good measure.

The Mavs seemed to have the pep and energy lacking from their uninspired road loss to the Hawks earlier, likely because of the return of Josh Howard to the starting lineup. Howard finished with 27 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in his first game back from suspension.

As a team, the Mavs shot 65.2% from the floor, and had 73 points by halftime before cruising in the second half to assured victory.

Posted by Todd M.

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