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Utah not doing well in Dallas

The Salt Lake team won only two out of their last 21 games in Dallas, returning home empty-handed the last seven times. Also, they lost 12 out of their last 15 head-to-head games

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Having acquired quite a few good-quality signings over the summer, the Dallas Maverics' ambition ran high. They tipped off the new season with the defending champions San Antonio and put up a great fight. The final score was 101-100, with Nowitzi scoring for Dallas' two point lead a minute and a half before the end. Tony Parker then scored a three-pointer to secure his team a win in the season opener. Chandler Parson, Dallas' greatest singing, had the chance to become a hero, but missed a three pointer right before the buzzer went off.

- It was a great game. I think the fans can't ask for more. Sadly, the line between the win and the defeat is fine. If we managed to defend only once more, everyone would be signing a different tune. It's the reality of the West Conference - coach Carlisle said.

As expected, the Mavs had no efficiency problems, but the defense wasn't doing as well. It allowed the Spurs to record a field goal percentage of 52,9%, including 14/28 in three pointers.

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- We need to learn for this and get better. We need to work hard and prepare for the next game - Monta Ellis, the most efficient player in the game, said. He scored 26 points (11/21) and added 6 assists.

Nowitzki scored 18 points (7/11), while Devin Harris came on from the bench to add 17. Parson scored only 5 points with a bad field goal efficiency (2/10) in his debut at Dallas.

- It was just one of those games. Playing it like this is bad, but this one is only the first of 82 matches we'll do this season. We'll need time to adjust to each other. This was one of those nights when you can't score no matter how much you tried. I now I need to get better - the small forward said.

After being sacked from the Wolves, J.J. Bare, a member of the 2011 champion squad, joined Dallas but we still don't know whether he'll be on the team tonight for Dallas' meeting with Utah. The Jazz lost their season opener too - home to the Rockets 104-94. Coach Quinn Snyder didn't have a very successful debut and knows that the first win might not come that soon. His team managed to get only three points down early in the final quarter, but the Rockets got their game one level up to take a double digit lead, leaving Utah with no chance.

- We didn't play our best game. I hope we can do better tomorrow. It's good that we have a new chance that soon - Hayward said. He scored only 8 points (3/11), adding 8 rebounds and 7 assists. 

Utah were better in the key (62-44) but had not response to the Rockets' three point efficiency (14/27 compared to Utah's 3/18).

- We have 81 game ahead and we need to keep on making progress - Dante Exum, who's been picked fifth in the draft, said. His debut ended with 5 points scored.

Alec Burks with 18 points and Favors with 16 were Utah's top scorers. Favors added 7 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 steals. Trey Burke scored 15 points and Booker added 14.

Utah can't be happy with history of their games with Dallas since they lost 12 out of their last 15 head-to-head games, which include the five consecutive defeats in which they allowed Dallas a field goal efficiency of 52,0%. They won only 2 out of their last 21 games in Dallas, returning to Salt Lake defeated the last seven.