Facing a trap game of sorts after a monumental road win against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Mavericks predictably came out sluggish tallying five miscues and shooting one-of-five from the field within the first five minutes. The Mavericks were aided by Kristaps Porzingis’ five points and four blocks and Luka Doncic’s 12 points and seven rebounds in the first quarter alone. The Mavericks as a team shot 25 percent and were fortunate to keep the game tied at 24-24 after the first quarter.
The second frame opened with an 11-0 Pelicans run, and the Mavericks saw Porzingis pick up his third foul with 9:47 remaining in the quarter.