Hawks defeat Mavericks 91-84 to remain perfect in preseason

The Atlanta Hawks went into their game against the Dallas Mavericks undefeated in preseason play, and were able to maintain that perfection, defeating the Mavericks in Dallas by a score of 91-84. The Hawks played without Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap, and Kent Bazemore. Former Hawks John Jenkins and Zaza Pachulia started for the opposing Mavericks.

The Hawks' starting five consisted of Justin Holiday, Tiago Splitter, Al Horford, Kyle Korver, and Dennis Schroder. Both former Hawks, Jenkins and Pachulia, scored the first two baskets for the Mavericks, who opened up an early 9-3 lead in the first quarter. Atlanta would narrow that gap, only to have the Mavericks pull away with a 31-24 lead at the end of the quarter. John Jenkins totaled eight points for the Mavericks in the quarter.

The second quarter was all Atlanta. The Hawks outscored the Mavericks in the quarter 28-17. The Hawks opened up a 10-2 run in the middle of the quarter where they were able to close the gap on the Mavericks, and eventually take the lead. Atlanta would take a 52-48 lead into the half.

The third quarter was back and forth. Dennis Schroder scored the first six points of the quarter for the Hawks, and had nine total for the quarter. John Jenkins had six points of his own in the quarter to lead the Mavericks, and Atlanta Hawks Summer League member Brandon Ashley had a pair of free throws. The Hawks outscored the Mavericks by one point in the quarter, holding onto a 73-68 lead going into the fourth.

Atlanta was able to hold their lead in the fourth quarter. It appeared the Mavericks would take the lead over midway through the quarter when Samuel Dalembert made it a 80-78 game, but an Edy Tavares offensive rebound and putback, followed by a bad pass by Justin Anderson and Shelvin Mack basket put the Hawks back up 84-78. The Hawks wouldn't look back from there, and won by a final score of 91-84.

Al Horford led all Hawks scorers with 16 points. Shelvin Mack had 13 points, and Dennis Schroder had 11 of his own. Mack and Schroder both had four assists apiece as well. John Jenkins led all Mavericks scorers with 16 points, and rookie Justin Anderson had 12.

The Hawks will look for yet another win Sunday against the Miami Heat in Philips Arena.