He earned 19 points, six rebounds and five assists in the 116-104 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday. He is traveling with the team to Miami and will be reevaluated Monday.
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All involved recognized why the Mavericks (12-9) pulled away from the Wizards (8-10) and when the momentum switched sides. Washington valued possession against Dallas, finishing with seven giveaways. “Wes led the way”. The Wizards look a lot better when Bradley Beal is scoring, and the standout guard will try to put together back-to-back strong performances when they host the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
Wizards play at Miami on Monday night. Wall won’t be among the missing Monday if the decision on playing is his.
John Wall revealed his right knee was already bruised before sustaining his injury on Sunday. Most of the third quarter turned into a battle between Matthews and Wall. “It’s also understanding what I have in the future and not (wanting) to jeopardize it all this early in the season”.
The real swing occurred during the middle portion of the game. “Then we come out in the first half four minutes of the third quarter and didn’t have any energy”.
His status for Monday night’s game against the Heat is uncertain, but the fact the X-rays were negative and he’s walking on his own gives Wizards fans something to be happy about in a season marred by the inconsistent play of their squad.
After a 100-96 loss to the Houston Rockets last week, which included only five points from Matthews, he was not afraid to voice his frustration and explained his struggles, saying that he didn’t want to hurt the team anymore. Gone is former Knick Tyson Chandler, but Zaza Pachulia has filled the hole in the middle and is leading the team with 10 rebounds per game. Matthews hit 10-of-17 three-pointers on the way to a season-high 36 points, his best since joining the Mavericks in free agency in the last offseason. With its clear size advantage, Dallas outrebounded Washington 50-31.
“It’s the National Basketball Association, nobody is going to feel sorry for us”, Neal said about the injuries including the latest one.
Dallas guard Devin Harris didn’t play in the second half after colliding with teammate Justin Anderson. Wizards F Nene missed his fifth consecutive game with a strained left calf. Big men Kris Humphries (ankle) and Drew Gooden III (calf) are questionable. Coach Rick Carlise said they still don’t have a timetable for his return.
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New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher coaches against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden.
