DALLAS — On Friday it was James Harden. On Monday it was DeMarcus Cousins. On Wednesday it was … Salah Mejri.
The Mavericks’ backup center dominated the game with 16 points and a career-high 17 rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench in a 113-95 win over the Sixers. The last time Mejri played significant minutes (17 against the Thunder on Jan. 26), he scored three points with six rebounds. He entered the game averaging 2.4 points and 4.1 rebounds.
The Sixers were down two starters: Joel Embiid (left knee contusion) and Robert Covington (right hand contusion). Jahlil Okafor started at center. He scored 16 points (7 for 16 from the floor) with just one rebound in 25 minutes.
Rookie Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot got his first NBA start in place of Covington. Luwawu-Cabarrot finished with seven points, four rebounds and two assists. His newness to the role showed with five fouls and two turnovers in 23 minutes.
The Mavericks improved to 19-30 while the Sixers dropped to 18-30.
Dallas drought continues
The Sixers have not beaten the Mavs in Dallas since Jan. 29, 2005. Their last victory over the Mavs was Nov. 27, 2012, in Philadelphia. The Mavs entered the game having won 17 of their last 20 against the Sixers.
NBA
Inside the box score
• Seth Curry led all players with 22 points and six assists.
• Harrison Barnes scored 15 points to go with seven rebounds.
• Ersan Ilyasova finished with a double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds.) He did not attempt a shot in the third quarter and went scoreless in the second half.
• Dario Saric scored 10 points and grabbed seven boards.
A different Okafor
Okafor played the best offensive game of his rookie season in Dallas. He scored 31 points (career high), including 18 of them in the first quarter alone. Okafor got the start against the Mavs again on Wednesday, but they aren’t as consistent as they used to be.
“I have a new role,” Okafor said. “Right now everything is different for me, but I’m going to go out there and give it my all and do what I do.”
Familiar face
Yogi Ferrell was one of four players at a D-League point guard workout the Sixers held last month. The Sixers selected Chasson Randle from the group. Ferrell went on to sign with the Mavs, and has quickly become a starter.
Up next
The Sixers will play a back-to-back game on Thursday in San Antonio. Brett Brown will return to his old stomping grounds where he spent over 10 years with the Spurs’ coaching staff.