The Dallas Mavericks completed a perfect two-game road trip last Monday, topping the New York Knicks at the Madison Square Garden for a 104–97 victory.
Leading the Mavericks was the face of the franchise, veteran forward Dirk Nowitzki, who scored 25 points, also tallying six rebounds and two assists in 33 minutes played.
Nowitzki also faced the rookie he is being compared to, the Knicks' fourth-overall pick in this year's draft Kristaps Porzingis.
Porzingis, who admitted before that Nowitzki is his idol, did not fail to impress during Monday's game as he led a fourth quarter rally from the Knicks which came up short.
The Latvian rookie finished the game with 28 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks.
Following the game, Nowitzki praised Porzingis and said the Knicks rookie is already doing better than he did when he was at his age.
"The comparisons are more than fair. He's way ahead of the curve. When I was 20 I was scared to death out there. He's almost averaging a double-double out there. He's better than I was in my 20s, so the comparison is probably unfair to him. He's a complete package," the 37-year-old veteran said, according to the Associated Press.
Along with Nowitzki's effort, former All-Star point guard Deron Williams also played well for Dallas, having 20 points, three rebounds, and seven assists.
Williams' fellow playmaker, Raymond Felton, also had a great game contributing 14 points, five rebounds, five assists, and one steal.
The victory over New York last Monday improved the Mavs' record to 13–9, which currently places them fourth in the Western Conference standings.
Dallas returns to the American Airlines Center today, Wednesday, to begin a three-game home stand taking on the Atlanta Hawks.
Following the Hawks, the Mavs will take on the Washington Wizards this Saturday and the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
