The Dallas Mavericks must be happy to see their star player Dirk Nowitzki looking like the Finals MVP they got used to during their championship run last season. Dirk's 14 points in the first half has propelled the Mavs to a three-point lead over the spotlight-wearing New York Knicks.
The Knicks welcomed a new addition to their bench as J.R. Smith made his season debut midway through the first quarter. Smith has come out the gate strong with 9 points on three three-pointers made in the first quarter. Jeremy Lin has also performed well with 12 points and 6 assists thus far in the first half. Landry Fields also has 11 points.
Shawn Marion has taken the task to try and slow down Lin, but has also contributed on the offensive end with 10 points in 13 minutes of action.
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