Howard Leads Mavericks Stampede Over Grizzlies 103-84

Josh?Howard scored a game high 26 points, and Dirk Nowitzki and Erick Dampier both recorded double-doubles, as? the Dallas?Mavericks easily defeated the Memphis Grizzlies Monday night 103-84. The victory was the fourth in a row by Dallas, who have won 12-14, they are in second place in the?NBA Southwest Division, one game behind the New Orleans Hornets.?Dallas shot a very impressive 53.8% for the game from the floor(43-80.)

The Mavericks basically controlled the flow of this contest from the opening tip, as they grabbed a 33-19 advantage at the end of the first?quarter, and led 61-44 at the half. Dallas did not let up in the third quarter as they extended? their lead to 84-63, heading into the final quarter. The fourth?quarter was basically extended garbage time as Memphis was never really a credible threat in this game.

Howard shot 10-17 from the floor, 2-4 from outside the arc, 4-5 from the line for his 26 points, he also had 6 rebounds, 4 assists. Dirk Nowitzki scored 20 points, 11 rebounds, 1 block, 1 assist, 1 steal, Jason Terry scored 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists. Dampier scored 11 points, a game high 12 boards, 1 steal, 1 assist.

Rudy?Gay who is having a breakout season for Memphis led the team shooting 7-14 from the floor, 1-2 from three point range, 3-3 from the line, for 18 points, rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal. Kyle Lowry starting at point, as Mike Conley Jr. is out with a bruised sternum, had 17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, Juan Carlos Navarro scored 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block.?Pau Gasol back in the lineup after missing a game with lower back pain, had 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 assists.?Dallas is now 31-13, Memphis is 13-32.