Dallas Mavericks Fall to New Orleans Pelicans 101-99
The Dallas Mavericks returned to downtown Dallas for a home tilt against the New Orleans Pelicans. Dallas fell to New Orleans, 101-99, at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday night. Dallas’ record dropped to 2-6, while New Orleans improved to 2-6.
For those following the American Airlines Center case, the Mavericks are scheduled for a jury trial against the Dallas Stars in Texas Business Court on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Central. Both teams will meet for a scheduling conference hearing on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. Central. Inaugural Judge Bill Whitehill was assigned to the case.
Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans Starters
Wednesday night’s game can be described as a battle of bottom feeders. The Mavericks entered the game with a 2-5 record, while New Orleans came in at 1-6. Dallas’ fanbase — and media — looked for hope, while New Orleans sought two straight wins.
In case you missed it, New Orleans earned its first win of the season on Tuesday night. The final score was 116-112, over the Charlotte Hornets at the Smoothie King Center. Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Dallas’ starting lineup featured D’Angelo Russell, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Dereck Lively (knee), Dante Exum (knee), Anthony Davis (calf), and Kyrie Irving (knee).
New Orleans’ starting lineup featured Murphy III, Jeremiah Fears, Herb Jones, Saddiq Bey, and Kevon Looney. New Orleans ruled out Dejounte Murray (Achilles), Zion Williamson (foot), Yves Missi (illness), and Jordan Poole (knee).
Mavericks vs. Pelicans Recap
Wednesday night’s game was crucial for both teams. Dallas’ late-game struggles shifted its status to Texas’s third-best team, while New Orleans has been dubbed a disaster.
New Orleans opened the scoring with a two-point bucket, going on a 9-0 run. Dallas went 0-for-5 early on, committing five turnovers. Dallas finally got on the board, thanks to Christie’s corner three-pointer. Dallas began to inch closer. Flagg threw down an and-1 alley-oop. New Orleans took a 29-19 lead to end the first quarter.
Both teams erased a slow start in the second quarter. Dallas cut New Orleans’ lead to nine, 36-27, for a shot at redemption. Dallas’ scoring attack continued, trailing by just three, 42-39, before the three-minute mark. The Washington show continued with 11 points. New Orleans settled for a 52-49 lead at halftime.
Dallas took a 12-5 lead to start the second half. Christie found Russell, who hit a three-pointer, during Dallas’ scoring surge. Fears made a buzzer-beater bucket that amazed Pelicans fans and media members alike. Despite Dallas’ efforts, New Orleans held onto a 78-77 lead after three quarters.
Dallas faced high expectations entering the fourth quarter. Dallas’ luck has been nonexistent without a win after trailing through three quarters this season. New Orleans capitalized on second-chance points. New Orleans held on for a 101-99 win in regulation.
Final Thoughts
The Mavericks will open a two-game road trip in Grind City against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Central. New Orleans will continue its three-game road trip down in the Alamo City against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Central.
