Dallas Mavericks Defeat Brooklyn Nets 113-105

The Dallas Mavericks returned home to open the four-game homestand against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night. The Mavericks defeated the Nets 113-105 at the American Airlines Center. Dallas improved to 15-25, while Brooklyn fell to 11-26.

In case you missed it, Dallas suffered a 125-107 loss to the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Saturday night. Ryan Nembhard just led the Mavs with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists. Coby White led the Bulls with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Brooklyn dropped a 103-98 decision to the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum on Sunday. Noah Clowney led the Nets with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist. Cedric Coward led the Grizzlies with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Brooklyn Nets Starters

The Mavericks hosted Hardwood Classic Night. Patrón Tequila offered hardwood classic-inspired cocktails, a photobooth, and a DJ. Players sported the Mavs’ green throwback Hardwood Classic jersey, celebrating the origin of the team and their rapid ascension as one of the NBA’s most elite teams in the 1980s.

The Mavs also hosted Rolando Blackman Bobblehead Night. The first 5,000 fans received a Rolando Blackman bobblehead. Blackman, 66, played for the team from 1981 to 1992 after they selected the Panama City-born, Brooklyn-bred guard out of Kansas State.

Dallas’ starting lineup featured Max Christie, Jaden Hardy, Cooper Flagg, Naji Marshall, and Dwight Powell. Dallas ruled out Dante Exum (knee), Kyrie Irving (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), Anthony Davis (hand), Brandon Williams (illness), Daniel Gafford (ankle), and PJ Washington (ankle).

Brooklyn’s starting lineup featured Drake Powell, Terance Mann, Michael Porter Jr., Noah Clowney, and Nic Claxton. Brooklyn ruled out Cam Thomas (rest), Egor Demin (injury maintenance), Ziaire Williams (illness), and Haywood Highsmith (knee). Brooklyn listed EJ Liddell (knee) as day-to-day.

Mavericks vs. Nets Recap

The Mavs appeared to play a better game just days after sharing an On This Day post to X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday. The Mavs’ post read, “Wizardry. Kai (Kyrie Irving) finished with 44points & 10 assists en route to the team’s win over the (New York) Knicks.”

The Mavs held a slight advantage as Flagg is the only player this season to rank in the top 10 in clutch points, rebounds, and assists. Dallas grabbed a 10-6 lead to open the first quarter. Hardy hit a step-back three-pointer and a corner three. The Nets picked up the pace, but Dallas stayed the course. Dallas took a 32-23 lead to end the first.

The Mavs grabbed a 43-30 lead midway through the second quarter. Flagg dazzled the home crowd, while Marshall dished out assists. The Nets shone as Day’Ron Sharpe recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Dallas took a 56-45 lead into halftime.

The Nets outscored the Mavs 13-7 to cut the lead by five, 63-58, in the third quarter. Christie converted a three-point field goal to give the Mavs a late 10-point lead, 72-62. Flagg limped off the court after injuring his ankle but returned to the Mavs’ bench. Dallas took an 84-77 lead through three quarters.

The Mavs and Nets played in an energetic fourth quarter. Flagg and Klay Thompson hit three-pointers. Thompson also recorded his 2,800th career three-pointer. Clowney took flight for a slam dunk. Dallas won 113-105 in regulation.

Next Steps

The Mavs continue the homestand against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. Central. The Mavs can defeat a Nikola Jokic-less Nuggets squad by developing a strong offensive and defensive perimeter, developing a solid backcourt, utilizing Flagg’s scoring, and forcing turnovers.

The Nets face the New Orleans Pelicans in a one-game road tilt on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Central. In a battle of the bottom-feeders, Brooklyn can beat New Orleans by employing strategic defensive plays, capitalizing on New Orleans’ pace to limit their second-chance opportunities, and making three-pointers.