Mavs take control in third quarter, beat Lakers 101-89
Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young, left, tries to knock the ball away from Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016. AP
LOS ANGELES, California—Wesley Matthews scored 20 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to their 12th consecutive victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, 101-89 on Thursday night.
The Mavericks outscored the Lakers 31-13 in the third quarter to take command.
Harrison Barnes had 17 points and nine rebounds, and Dwight Powell and Devin Harris each scored 14 points off the bench for Dallas.
Julius Randle scored 18 points and Nick Young had 17 for the Lakers, who had as many turnovers (15) as assists.
The Mavs trailed 65-60 early in the second half when they went on a 21-5 run to close the third quarter and take control.
The first half was a game of scoring runs, with the Lakers finally heading into the break leading 57-50. Dallas scored the game’s opening five points before the Lakers responded with a 13-0 spurt.
