The Dallas Mavericks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 96 - 83, at American Airlines Center on Saturday. These are two teams on the outside looking in for the playoffs and the Mavericks were able to escape with a huge win to get them closer to that eight - seed. Despite New Orleans leading by six points after the first quarter, Dallas took care of business from there by winning the other three quarters by at least four points. In fact, the Mavericks outscored the Pelicans, 49 - 34, in the second half. Defense was key, as they held New Orleans to 40 percent from the field and 21 percent from three - point range, while forcing 19 turnovers. The Pelicans (23 - 36) now have two double - digit losses since acquiring DeMarcus Cousins and the growing pains are slower than most anticipated. Anthony Davis stepped up though, as he led the team with 39 points and 14 rebounds. Cousins finished with just 12 points, but provided 15 rebounds, six assists and three steals. Jrue Holiday was the only other Pelican in double figures, as he collected 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists. The other six players combined for just 14 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and no blocks. The Mavericks (23 - 35) have been surging since a terrible start and a win over a growing team like the Pelicans is just what they need to get some momentum going. Harrison Barnes led the way, as he tallied 19 points, three rebounds and three steals. Dirk Nowitzki finished second on the team, totaling 18 points and nine rebounds. Seth Curry and Yogi Ferrell combined for 20 points, 12 rebounds and 15 assists as the starting backcourt. Nerlens Noel made his debut and amassed nine points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Salah Mejri had a historically bad game, as he fouled out in five minutes, while failing to record a single stat aside from a turnover.
["PlayerStat(G,'Anthony Davis') has 39 Assists ,has 14 3-pointers made ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'DeMarcus Cousins') has 6 Assists ,has 2 3-pointers made ,has 12 Points ,has 15 Total rebounds ,has 3 Steals ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Jrue Holiday') has 6 Assists ,has 18 3-pointers made ,has 7 Points ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Harrison Barnes') has 19 Assists ,has 3 3-pointers made ,has 3 Points ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Dirk Nowitzki') has 18 Assists ,has 9 3-pointers made ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Yogi Ferrell') has 1 Assists ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Nerlens Noel') has 9 Assists ,has 10 3-pointers made ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Salah Mejri') has 1 Assists ."]