Dallas Mavericks Win 116-114 In OT Thriller vs. Pistons
The Dallas Mavericks hosted the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. The pregame pleasantries were nice, but the tone shifted after. The Mavericks defeated the Pistons 116-114 at the American Airlines Center. Dallas improved to 11-17, while Detroit fell to 21-6.
The Mavericks hosted their inaugural Anime Night presented by Crunchyroll, an anime streaming service. Fans dressed up in their best cosplay costumes. Fans also enjoyed a pregame party.
In case you missed it, Cooper Flagg recorded his third career 20-point half — with 24 points at halftime on Monday night. Flagg trails LeBron James (4) for most 20-point halves by an 18-year-old. Flagg, 18, and James, 40, are the only 18-year-olds to record a 20-point half in the play-by-play era since 1996-97, per Elias Sports Bureau.
Flagg recorded the most points by an 18-year-old in NBA history with 42 points. Flagg’s just the fifth rookie to record 40-5-5 in the last 15 years. The Maine native tied Mark Aguirre (42) for the most points by a rookie in Mavs history.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons Starters
Thursday night’s game saw a rising Mavs squad, but their opponent, the Pistons, remained red-hot in the Eastern Conference standings.
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Ryan Nembhard, Naji Marshall, Flagg, PJ Washington Jr., and Anthony Davis. Dallas ruled out Dante Exum (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), and Kyrie Irving (knee).
Detroit’s starting lineup featured Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren. Detroit listed Isaac Jones (knee) as day-to-day.
Mavericks vs. Pistons Recap
Thursday night’s game provided an opportunity for Dallas to pull off an upset against Detroit. Detroit’s last loss occurred on Dec. 3 to the Milwaukee Bucks by a final score of 113-109.
Both teams scored similarly to start the first quarter. Dallas built an 18-9 lead with less than seven minutes left on the scoreboard. Detroit kept the score close, trailing by just two, 24-22, with 3:15 left. Dallas fended off Detroit’s efforts to take a 35-30 lead to end the first.
Both teams kept it close to open the second quarter. Detroit had work to do. Dallas ended up outscoring Detroit 31-27. Flagg performed a dribble for the spin move. Dallas took a 66-57 lead into halftime.
The Mavs played strongly in the third quarter. Cunningham got past Max Christie and Anthony Davis for the one-handed dunk. Davis, 32, nailed a three-pointer amid multiple defenders. Dallas took a 91-79 lead through three quarters.
Detroit went on a 16-4 run to open the fourth quarter, tying the score at 95. Daniss Jenkins went on a 23-9 run. Jenkins’ big plays propelled him to the spotlight. Detroit took a 109-108 lead, thanks to Cunningham’s fourth-quarter heroics. After further review, a Detroit shot clock violation occurred. The game went to overtime after a 101-101 tie.
Dallas played in a back-to-back game for the second time this season. Dallas’ early bucket opened the overtime period. Detroit responded with a game-tying bucket to tie the score 112-112. Dallas won 116-114 in overtime.
Final Thoughts
The Mavericks hit the road to face the Philadelphia 76ers in the Xfinity Mobile Arena on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. The former can capitalize on the latter’s ups and downs for a possible statement win.
Detroit returns home to host the Charlotte Hornets in the Little Caesars Arena on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. The former can easily beat the latter in a potential blowout.
