Dallas Mavericks Lose To Atlanta Hawks 135-120

The Dallas Mavericks opened a three-game homestand starting with the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, but the Hawks beat the Mavericks 135-120 at the American Airlines Center. Atlanta improved to 38-31 and has an 11-game winning streak, while Dallas fell to 23-47 and has a two-game losing streak.

The Mavs hosted Brad Davis Bobblehead Night, along with Hardwood Classic Night. The first 5,000 fans received a Brad Davis bobblehead. Davis played for the Mavs from 1980 to 1992. Davis’ jersey retirement on Nov. 14, 1992, was the first for the Mavs.

In Case You Missed It

The Dallas Mavericks lost to the New Orleans Pelicans 129-111 at Smoothie King Center on Monday. Naji Marshall led the Mavericks with 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 27 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist.

The Atlanta Hawks beat the Orlando Magic 124-112 at State Farm Arena on Monday. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 41 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Alexander-Walker, 27, recorded a career-high 41 points, nine of which stemmed from three-pointers. Jalen Johnson notched a triple-double with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Atlanta Hawks Starters

Dallas’ starting lineup featured Ryan Nembhard, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, Marshall, and PJ Washington. Dallas ruled out Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Brandon Williams (concussion), and Caleb Martin (right plantar fascia soreness).

Atlanta’s starting lineup featured Dyson Daniels, CJ McCollum, Alexander-Walker, Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu. Atlanta had zero injuries in its injury report.

Mavericks vs. Hawks Recap

The Mavericks vs. Hawks matchups aren’t only testaments to the two teams’ competitive spirits over the years but also the contributions to the rich basketball histories in the Dallas and Atlanta areas.

Atlanta came in hot. Daniels, who turned 23 on March 17, played in his first NBA game as a 23-year-old. Alexander-Walker surpassed 200 three-pointers so far this season during his career-high performance in Monday’s game. Alexander-Walker, 27, became the sixth Atlanta Hawk in franchise history to reach this mark.

Atlanta wasted no time getting on the board in the first quarter. Okongwu scored the first 10 points of the game. Dallas responded to keep the score close. Marshall then found Flagg for a finish in the paint. Atlanta took a 37-30 lead to end the first.

Atlanta had its largest lead, a 12-point advantage, early in the second quarter. McCollum made a bucket off a Zaccharie Risacher steal. Dallas’ efforts showed, but weren’t nearly enough. Flagg found Nembhard for a three-pointer. Washington scored 5 consecutive points to make it an eight-point game. Atlanta took a 67-56 lead into halftime.

Kuminga shone in the first half for the Hawks. Kuminga scored 9 points in nine minutes off the Hawks’ bench. Atlanta’s offense remained steady throughout the third quarter, but Atlanta’s defense gave up several drives. Dallas’ turnover issue remained a glaring problem that overshadowed Klay Thompson’s transition three-pointer. Atlanta took a 101-82 lead through three quarters.

Dallas opened the scoring in the fourth quarter but failed to win or force overtime, despite Atlanta’s declining defense. Atlanta won 135-120 in regulation.

Next Steps

The Dallas Mavericks continue their three-game homestand against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Central. Dallas can potentially beat Los Angeles by focusing on defense, creating scoring opportunities, and emphasizing teamwork.

The Atlanta Hawks conclude their two-game road trip against the Houston Rockets on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Central. Atlanta can potentially beat Houston by creating scoring opportunities, challenging the opposing defense, and dominating in the paint.