Mavericks show encouraging signs in upset win over Celtics

The Celtics came into the game winners of their last four. They defeated the Mavericks, 122-107, in their only prior meeting this season on Jan. 25.

Veteran Klay Thompson had the hot hand all night with 25 points (11-of-17 FG, 3-of-6 3PT). While Kyrie Irving had 19 points on 7-of-17 shooting, he drilled this vintage step-back three with under 10 minutes to play to give the Mavericks a 114-90 lead.

Dallas shot 55.7% from the floor and hit 15 triples. Its bench production was fantastic with Spencer Dinwiddie (22 points, 7-of-10 FG) and Naji Marshall (20 points, 9-of-15 FG) on point throughout the entire game.

The Mavericks were able to limit the production from Boston's stars. Coming into the game, Jayson Tatum (26.8 PPG) and Jaylen Brown (23.1 PPG) averaged nearly 50 points a game. On Thursday, they had a combined 42 points. Tatum only had 17 points (5-of-12 FG), marking the 10th game this season he has had fewer than 20 points.

While the Celtics shot 51.7%, they trailed by as many as 27 and rarely held the lead the whole game. Boston is allowing 108.8 points per game following Thursday's loss. After giving up 127 points to a Mavericks team that was not at full strength, the Celtics (36-16) will need to step up in that area to keep pace with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.

Although the shocking trade of its All-Star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers caught everyone off guard, Dallas could benefit from the deal in the short term. Max Christie has put up 15 points in each of his two games with the Mavericks, while Davis' debut with the team draws closer. 

With the Mavericks sitting at 27-25, this team has the potential to be dangerous, especially when Davis is healthy and gives them a strong post presence to pair with their talented guard play.