By Dan Savage
July 6, 2016
ORLANDO – In search of their first win in the 2016 Southwest Airlines Orlando Pro Summer League, the Mavericks put the game in the hands of a dynamic backcourt duo.
Darius Adams and Vander Blue combined for 22 points in the fourth quarter to help lead Dallas to an 84-81 victory over the Hornets on Wednesday.
Blue was extremely cool in the clutch, draining a go-ahead pull-up jumper with 18.8 seconds left.
“Finishing games off like tonight, two days ago I missed that same shot that I shot today,” he explained. “So I’m just trying to get better every single day, just believing in myself and the team.”
Adams followed with two clutch free throws with 13.7 seconds remaining that put the contest out of reach.
“We were hungry for a win,” Adams said. “Finally.”
It was an extremely efficient effort for Adams, who knocked down four of his eight attempts from long distance on his way to a game-high 25 points.
Blue finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
“He’s a tough player,” Adams said. “Super aggressive and gives us that push that we need to be aggressive on offense and defense.”
Charlotte put together a balanced offensive attack in the defeat.
All five Hornets starters scored in double figures led by Brandon Paul, who fired off 17 points.
Mike Tobey, an undrafted free agent from the University of Virginia, notched 16 points to go along with a game-high 14 rebounds.
“I’m just trying to do what I can rebounding-wise and just bring some energy,” he explained.
The Mavericks (1-2) face Orlando Blue on Thursday at 1 p.m. ET, while Charlotte (2-2) has off before returning to action on Championship Day this Friday. Their opponent and game time are dependent on the results of Thursday’s contests.