Dallas Mavericks Snap 4-Game Losing Skid With 111-105 Win

The Dallas Mavericks concluded their two-game road trip in the “Nation’s Capital” against the Washington Wizards on Saturday. The Mavericks defeated the Wizards 111-105 at Capital One Arena. Dallas improved to 3-7, while Washington fell to 1-9.

Dallas Mavericks-Washington Wizards Starters

Saturday’s game was a matchup that could’ve been described as a battle of the bottom-feeders. Dallas entered the game with a 2-7 record, while Washington trailed at 1-8.

Just hours before the game, multiple sources reported Dirk Nowitzki blasted his former team, the Mavericks, for their early-season start. Nowitzki, 47, said, “They can’t shoot, they can’t make plays. Nobody can make shots. It’s been tough to watch.”

Dallas’ starting lineup featured D’Angelo Russell, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Kyrie Irving (knee), Dante Exum (knee), Dereck Lively II (knee), Anthony Davis (calf), and Klay Thompson (illness).

Washington’s starting lineup featured CJ McCollum, Tre Johnson, Kyshawn George, Justin Champagnie, and Alex Sarr. Washington ruled out Khris Middleton (knee) and Bilal Coulibaly (leg) and listed Kyshawn George (illness) as day-to-day.

Mavericks-Wizards Recap

Saturday’s game showcased a non-conference matchup, but was exciting, nonetheless. The spotlight shone on the Flagg and the Wizards’ rising talent like Cam Whitmore, Bub Carrington, and Johnson.

The first quarter turned out to be a high-scoring affair. Washington opened the scoring with a 4-0 run. Dallas got on the board, thanks to Christie’s bucket. Flagg dropped a hammer with a dunk. McCollum hit a floater off a pass from George. Dallas took a 35-24 lead to end the first.

The second quarter favored Washington, but Dallas held on. Washington scored in the paint. McCollum made a bucket to reach 23 points. That is the most points scored by any Wizards player in a single half this season. McCollum has now scored 20 or more points in two straight opening halves, becoming the first Wizards player to do so since Bradley Beal from December 16-18, 2021. Dallas took a 57-53 lead into halftime.

The third quarter saw a fast start from Washington, but Dallas refused to back down. Flagg found Gafford, who finished the alley-oop. Cam Whitmore reached 14 points as Washington went on a 12-3 run. Washington took an 86-82 lead after three quarters.

The fourth quarter opened with Washington’s 4-0 run. Dallas responded as Moussa Cisse blew past a defender for a poster dunk. Dallas picked up the pace to regain the lead. Dallas won 111-105 in regulation.

Final Thoughts

Dallas will return home to open a four-game homestand starting with the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday at 7:30 p.m. Central. Washington will embark on a two-game road trip starting with the Detroit Pistons on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. The game will be broadcast on Peacock and FDSDET.