Bobcats vs. Mavericks game recap: Dallas dispatches Charlotte 99-82

The Dallas Mavericks easily defeated the Charlotte Bobcats Friday night, winning 99-82. Shawn Marion led a depleted Dallas squad with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Dallas was without Dirk Nowitzki, who is recovering from knee surgery. Dallas was also without offseason acquisitions Elton Brand and Chris Kaman.

In the absence of Kaman and Brand, rookie Jae Crowder and Eddy Curry, claimed off waivers Thursday, got the start. Crowder, who has impressed in the preseason, added 11 points and 5 rebounds, but suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury in the game's closing minutes. Crowder grabbed the back of leg after a dunk and left the game immediately. The severity of the injury is unknown.

Center Byron Mullen led the Bobcats with 16 points and 19 rebounds. Shooting guard Gerald Henderson led Charlotte in scoring with 17. Charlotte trailed by as many as 20 and never held a lead, despite playing their anticipated starters the majority of the game.

The win puts Dallas at 4-4 to conclude the preseason. The Mavericks open the regular season October 30th with a visit to the Los Angeles Lakers.