Dallas Mavericks Make Things Interesting, But Lose To Philadelphia 76ers
The Dallas Mavericks rang in the New Year with a home game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. However, Philadelphia spoiled the party with a 123-108 win over the Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Philadelphia improved to 18-14, while Dallas fell to 12-23.
The Mavs hosted Dwight Powell Collectible Pin Night. The first 5,000 fans received a Limited-Edition Dwight Powell Collectible Pin. One lucky fan received a pin and won a $250 Dave & Buster’s gift card.
In case you missed it, Cooper Flagg has been playing in the NBA for over two months now. Flagg’s resume is impressive. He is the youngest player to record 40+ points, the youngest player to record 10+ assists, has the third-most total points by an 18-year-old, tied for the most points in a game by a Mavs rookie (42), and was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for October and November.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Starters
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Ryan Nembhard, Max Christie, Flagg, PJ Washington Jr., and Anthony Davis. Dallas ruled out Dante Exum (knee), Kyrie Irving (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), and D’Angelo Russell (illness).
Philadelphia’s starting lineup featured Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George, Dominick Barlow, and Joel Embiid. Philadelphia ruled out Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) and Trenton Watford (adductor).
Philadelphia announced three things: VJ Edgecombe is shooting 60.7% from the field and 61.5% from the three-point range, Philadelphia is the only Eastern Conference team to play four overtime games this season with a 3-1 record, and Maxey joined Charles Barkley as the only players to record 30+ points and 10 assists with zero turnovers in a game.
Mavericks vs. 76ers Recap
Tonight’s game served as an opportunity for both teams to get back on track. Dallas looked to end a three-game losing skid, while Philadelphia aimed to build momentum for a two-game winning streak.
Previously, Philadelphia tied a season-high with 139 points in Tuesday’s 139-136 overtime win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Embiid led the 76ers with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 40 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The first quarter turned out to be a high-scoring affair. Flagg helped get the Mavs on the board. Daniel Gafford threw down a putback dunk. Embiid hit a mid-range jumper. Dallas took a 33-27 lead to end the first.
The second quarter shifted in the 76ers’ favor. The 76ers went on a 17-2 run that prompted Mavs Head Coach Jason Kidd to take a timeout. The Mavs suffered from turnovers. Former Mavs Guard Quentin Grimes came off the bench to score 8 points. Philadelphia took a 68-57 lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw the 76ers strike first. The 76ers’ defense kept the Mavs at bay. Maxey nailed a transition three-pointer. Naji Marshall scored his first points of the game, but the Mavs’ comeback attempt failed. Philadelphia took a 92-83 lead after three quarters.
The fourth quarter witnessed the Mavs start fast. Marshall executed a floater that was a highlight reel-worthy play to make a case as the second-best player for the Mavs. The 76ers picked up the pace to avoid a potential comeback win. Philadelphia won 123-108 in regulation.
Next Steps
Dallas concludes a two-game homestand vs. the Houston Rockets on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Central. Both teams’ rivalry, also known as the Battle of Texas, is a fierce competition.
Philadelphia concludes its five-game road trip at the New York Knicks on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. Philadelphia’s main objective is to bounce back in order to reshape its overall identity, while New York heads into the home game on a high note after winning the 2025 NBA Cup.
