GDT: Mavs @ Pelicans 01/06/16 7:00pm CT

[Underdog]

Anthony Davis was criticized by coach Alvin Gentry for "coasting" his last time out for the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Dallas Mavericks probably wish Gentry never voiced that concern.

Davis turned in a huge effort to lead the Pelicans to a victory over the Mavericks that night and these teams will meet again Wednesday night in New Orleans.

New Orleans (11-22) won 105-98 at Dallas on Saturday behind Davis' 31 points and 14 rebounds. He scored 21 points in the second half in a game in which he was targeted for criticism from his coach.

"I don't think I was coasting," a laughing Davis said at Tuesday's practice. "I don't know what I was doing but whatever I was doing obviously it wasn't enough until he got on me."

The Pelicans have the Western Conference's third-worst record, and Gentry said he'll do whatever it takes to motivate his team.

"Every now and then, I think you've got to push these guys to get 'em refocused on playing hard and executing and that's OK," Gentry said.

Davis is tied for second in the NBA with 21 double-doubles along with Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook. After practice Tuesday, he made the short trip to Baton Rouge to watch future NBA star Ben Simmons and LSU win 85-67 over No. 9 Kentucky.

He wasn't the only Pelican with a double-double Saturday. Norris Cole had 16 points and a career-best 12 rebounds for the second of his career while Jrue Holiday scored 20 off the bench as New Orleans took a 2-1 lead in the season series.

While the Pelicans have had three days off since that win, the Mavericks will come to town after a thrilling victory, 117-116 in double overtime over Sacramento on Tuesday. Deron Williams' 3-pointer at the buzzer capped his 25-point effort before he was mobbed by teammates.

"That was definitely my first Mavericks mob scene," he said. "I was at the very bottom of the pile, then all of a sudden it went dark and I couldn't breathe."

Williams had five points and an assist on Dirk Nowitzki's 3-pointer in the Mavs' game-ending 8-0 run. Nowitzki scored 23 and Wesley Matthews added 20 as Dallas (20-15) avoided its second three-game slide.

The Mavericks didn't come out of the game unscathed since starting forward Chandler Parsons left with a right hip injury in the second half. He will be evaluated for Wednesday's opener of a three-game trip.

Dallas is 5-3 when playing the second of back-to-back games.

New Orleans also has an injury concern in starting guard Tyreke Evans, who has been missing from practice after sitting out Saturday due to knee tendinitis. Evans is questionable, although Gentry expects him to play.

"I don't know where it came from but I felt something the last game," said Evans, who last played Thursday.

There's also a chance that Pelicans forward Quincy Pondexter may make his season debut after being out due to offseason knee surgery. He has been upgraded to questionable.

New Orleans is hoping to be back at full strength soon to make a push for a playoff berth.

"We've got to start making a move right now," Gentry said.

http://espn.go.com/nba/preview?gameId=400828418

[dirt_dobber]

nice test for us. Would be great to see a strong effort.
Powell and Charlie V - get 18 points each.

[j0Shi]

Let's get our game back!

[FreshJive]

Starting lineup? Barea Felton CV Powell McGee? Barea Felton Evans CV Mcgee? or start the three pg lineup?

[FreshJive]

Parsons playing now.

[yahyes]

Important game to win tonight. Best chance for Dallas to distance themselves on new orleans

[yahyes]

This is the type of game you gotta play it fast, when Parsons is starting.

[turin]

I'm looking forward to this game to see some other guys step up.

[yahyes]

Carlisle should/could go with a 3 guard lineup and have Parsons at PF with McGee.

[EricaLubarsky]

Yeah... This game is not going to be pretty

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally Posted by yahyes

Carlisle should/could go with a 3 guard lineup and have Parsons at PF with McGee.

With what guards? Dwill is out and if we play Felton/Harris/Barea, they'll need rest at some point. Already thin at guard. Thinner with Rick pulling Matthews and Willams. Three guard works well for about 8 minutes of the first quarter

[turin]

I'm liking the energy off the bench.

[yahyes]

Dwight Powell is in for a test. His best option is to be scrappy as can be against Davis.

[yahyes]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

With what guards? Dwill is out and if we play Felton/Harris/Barea, they'll need rest at some point. Already thin at guard. Thinner with Rick pulling Matthews and Willams. Three guard works well for about 8 minutes of the first quarter

That could happen latter part of the game.

[FreshJive]

Parsons with the aggressnif

[turin]

I'm really liking McGee's play tonight. Very active.

[Bryan_Wilson]

I feel like if Parsons was 2/7 shooting this GDT would have at least double the posts.

[yahyes]

Mavs are needing perimeter shooting

[Underdog]

Mavs stumbling out of the half...

[yahyes]

Who can just start getting on a hot streak... JJ?

[Melonhead]

This game is uuuuuuuuugly and hard to watch. Hope Jenkins gets burn (didn't watch 1st half)

[turin]

I hate Parsons, but he gets my props for some great passing.

[yahyes]

Justin Anderson though. He has the follow through.

[FreshJive]

Devin has been great tonight.

[yahyes]

When you remember there's an athletic Jeremy Evans on the roster

[Bryan_Wilson]

Really wish JA and Evans could get mins in place of CV3. They bring things to the table that may not show up in box score but every chance they have had recently they seem to be taking advantage of and it hasn't translated into minutes.

[BPo001]

Execute and close this game out, Mavs!

[turin]

SMH Parsons. Dumb!

[BPo001]

WTF Parsons? Take the shot! That's like the 3rd time he's made a move at the end of the shot clock and passed it off.

[turin]

Thank you Ray-Ray. Parsons owes you dinner.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Bryan_Wilson

Really wish JA and Evans could get mins in place of CV3. They bring things to the table that may not show up in box score but every chance they have had recently they seem to be taking advantage of and it hasn't translated into minutes.

Looks like tonight was an opportunity to shine though... I'm sure Rick noticed.

[Melonhead]

RAY RAY. You can see who wants the ball in their hands in crunch time and who doesn't...

Way to get a gritty win mavs

[jleefilled]

Very impressed with Parsons overall in this game. I thought he really set the tone in the first half. I hope this is a sign of things to come.

[turin]

Lots of noteworthy contributors tonight. If the Mavs close out, lots to feel good about IMO.

[turin]

Nice job Mavs! Grats!

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by jleefilled

Very impressed with Parsons overall in this game. I thought he really set the tone in the first half. I hope this is a sign of things to come.

Dude looked good as a #1 scoring option tonight.

[Bryan_Wilson]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Yeah... This game is not going to be pretty

Dat reverse jinx doe. Too stronk.

[Bryan_Wilson]

With JA, Evans, and Powell on the floor at same time it was really nice seeing all the length and activity.

[Melonhead]

I know I'm going to catch hell for this but this is what Parsons does. Give you a really good game(scoring) and follow it up with some very mediocre/stinker games(scoring). He does not have the shot to ever be consistent. I will say barring that one rebound game he seems to be going after boards more and his assists are usually there every game.

That was a fun game to watch. I really like Evans and Powell and Mcgee. If Powell can get that elbow jumper down, he's going to have something.

And please don't get rid of Felton FO.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Bryan_Wilson

With JA, Evans, and Powell on the floor at same time it was really nice seeing all the length and activity.

(thats what she said)