The Dallas Mavericks concluded the two-game homestand against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. The Mavericks defeated the Nets 119-111 at the American Airlines Center. Dallas improved to 10-16, while Brooklyn fell to 6-18.
Dallas defeated the Houston Rockets on Saturday. Anthony Davis led the Mavs with 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. In Saturday’s win, Dallas recorded a single-game season-high in field goal percentage (.598%), points in the paint (74), and points off turnovers (34).
At the half, Brandon Williams led the Mavs with 13 points off the bench in the first half, making it Williams’ highest-scoring half of the season.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Brooklyn Nets Starters
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Ryan Nembhard, Naji Marshall, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington Jr., and Anthony Davis. Dallas ruled out Kyrie Irving (knee), Dante Exum (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), Daniel Gafford (ankle), and D’Angelo Russell (illness).
Brooklyn’s starting lineup featured Egor Demin, Terance Mann, Michael Porter Jr., Noah Clowney, and Nic Claxton. Brooklyn ruled out Haywood Highsmith (knee) and Cam Thomas (hamstring). Brooklyn listed EJ Liddell (ankle) as day-to-day.
Mavericks vs. Nets Recap
Friday’s game served as a non-conference matchup between two bottom-feeders. Dallas had star power as Arlington rapper Lonestar Yak sat courtside. Brooklyn showcased Claxton, who is one of three NBA players with at least 100 assists and 30 blocks this season.
Flagg helped the Mavericks in the first quarter. Flagg’s first-quarter scoring consisted of 12 points. Porter Jr. picked up where he left off, scoring 11 points for the Nets. Brooklyn settled for a 33-32 lead to end the first.
Brooklyn took a three-point lead to open the second quarter. Brooklyn’s 5-1 run set a short-lived second-quarter tone. Dallas picked up the pace, taking a 52-48 lead by the five-minute mark. Marshall played solid defense. Dallas took a 65-61 lead into halftime.
Brooklyn opened the third-quarter scoring. Mann scored on a no-look pass. Dallas kept the score close. Flagg found Davis, who got the and-one. Brooklyn maintained a 92-90 lead through three quarters.
Dallas gained an advantage in the fourth quarter. Washington made a three-pointer. Anthony Davis threw down a dunk. Dallas won 119-111 in regulation.
Final Thoughts
Dallas hits the road to take on the Utah Jazz on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Mountain. Dallas’ two-game win streak can propel them to a third straight win against the lowly Jazz.
Brooklyn returns home to open a three-game homestand against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Eastern. Brooklyn’s inability to string together two wins in a row is a concern, but home court advantage might help the Nets beat the Bucks.
