DALLAS — Utilizing a starting lineup change to spark their way to a gritty 97-95 win Thursday over the Los Angeles Clippers, the Dallas Mavericks may have found a first unit to stick with for the remainder of the season.
Moving reigning Rookie of the Month Yogi Ferrell to the bench, opting to slide combo guard Seth Curry to the point and inserting 22-year-old big man Nerlens Noel into the starting lineup, Mavs coach Rick Carlisle continued to feature swingman Wesley Matthews, leading scorer Harrison Barnes and 13-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki in the first unit. Curry then made the most of having the ball in his hands more, leading the Mavericks (31-40) to the victory with a game-high 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting.