Three takeways from Dallas' 97-87 loss to Charlotte on Thursday night in Charlotte:
ANOTHER SLOW START: The Mavericks trailed 23-14 after one quarter. It was the 26th in 69 quarters this season in which the Mavericks have scored fewer than 20 points. On nine of those occasions they have scored 15 or fewer points. The Mavs added another sub-20-point quarter Thursday _ 19 in the third _ giving them 27 in 72 quarters this season.
ANDERSON SPARK: Second-year forward Justin Anderson continued his recent strong play, scoring 15 points, one below his season high.