WASHINGTON, D.C. – OJ Mayo was flashing that winning smile again Tuesday night.
The smile was because the Dallas Mavericks finally won a game, snapping a six-game losing skid with a 103-94 victory over the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center. The smile also was because Mayo was finally able to protect the basketball for an entire game.
After committing and embarrassing 25 turnovers in the previous five games, Mayo didn’t have any turnovers in 36 minutes against the Wizards. The only other time this season that the fifth-year guard didn’t have any turnovers was during a Nov. 7 win over the Toronto Raptors when he played 38 minutes.
“I’ve just been watching film and trying to make under control plays for my teammates,’’said Mayo, who also had 15 points and five assists. “This is a new year and it’s time to bring it.’’
Mayo’s terrible turnover streak started on Dec. 21 when he had five against his former team – the Memphis Grizzlies. Then he followed that up with six turnovers against San Antonio, six against Oklahoma City, six more against Denver and two last Sunday in the rematch against the Spurs.
When told during his postgame press conference that Mayo had no turnovers Tuesday, coach Rick Carlisle said: “I know, isn’t that great? Listen, he did a lot of things way better in terms of being under control of the ball, he made some very good simple passes.
“And then his shot-making was key. During a stretch in the first half when we were struggling, he hit two or three in a row that got us going. He’s improving in all areas.’’
-- Dwain Price
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