Leuer helps Suns rally past Mavericks 99-87
DALLAS (AP) — Jon Leuer scored eight of his 11 points in the fourth quarter and the Phoenix Suns rallied from a 16-point deficit to beat the Dallas Mavericks 99-87 on Wednesday night. Dallas (0-6) led 61-45 early in the third, but scored only 26 points over the final 21 minutes. SUNS: Markieff Morris led Phoenix (4-2) with 18 points. MAVERICKS: John Jenkins had a game-high 22 points, improving his preseason average to 20.8 per game.
Cavs defeat Mavs 103-97 to avoid winless preseason
CLEVELAND (AP) — J.R. Smith scored 19 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers avoided a winless preseason with a 103-97 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night. The Cavaliers, who have had several key players sidelined by injuries in training camp, end the exhibition season with a 1-6 record. Kevin Love, playing his second preseason game after dislocating his left shoulder in last season's playoffs, scored 10 points with four rebounds in 23 minutes.
Mavs waiting on health as difficult West challenge looms
DALLAS (AP) — Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks were jilted by DeAndre Jordan in free agency and aren't sure when all their projected starters will play together for the first time in the difficult Western Conference. It's not exactly the formula Dallas wanted as it tries to win its first playoff series since the franchise's only championship in 2011. It also doesn't do anything to change the 37-year-old Nowitzki's expectations going into his 18th season.