The Dallas Mavericks concluded its two-game Western Conference road trip with Tuesday’s nationally televised game against the Los Angeles Lakers on TNT. The Mavericks dropped a 107-99 decision to the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Dallas fell to 31-28 and lost its second game in a row, while Los Angeles improved to 35-21 and won its third consecutive game.
Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 35 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Klay Thompson followed up with 22 points, eight rebounds, and one assist. Max Christie added 10 points, one rebound, and six assists. Spencer Dinwiddie had nine points, one rebound, and three assists. Naji Marshall scored nine points, five rebounds, and three assists. Dante Exum recorded eight points, three rebounds, and one assist.
Dallas Mavericks-Los Angeles Lakers Recap
Tuesday’s game between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers marked the first time Luka Doncic faced his former team. The Mavericks ruled out Anthony Davis with a left adductor strain, Caleb Martin with a right hip strain, Daniel Gafford with a right knee sprain, and Dereck Lively II with a right ankle stress fracture. The Lakers ruled out Maxi Kleber with right foot fracture surgery.
The Mavericks’ starting lineup presented Kyrie Irving, Max Christie, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, and Kessler Edwards. Washington knows what type of game he’s anticipating from Doncic. Washington said that he expects him to bring his “A” game knowing the type of player he is and the mentality that he brings to the game. Christie might be overlooked in the Mavericks’ trade, but his versatility has helped him fit in seamlessly.
The Mavericks avoided a shutout with a field goal early in the first quarter. The Mavericks’ offense picked up the pace and took a 14-13 lead with 6:50 left in the first before exchanging leads and ties with the Lakers. Despite Irving’s 14 points, Dallas trailed 28-20 at the end of the first. Both teams started the second quarter at even strength and the Mavericks’ offense kept the game close. The Mavericks trailed 59-51 at halftime.
The Mavericks’ offensive dominance continued in the third quarter, but not nearly enough to outlast the Lakers. Thompson hit two three-pointers. Dante Exum took an elbow to the face from LeBron James and went to the locker room. The Mavericks trailed 78-77 through three quarters. Both teams’ fourth-quarter efforts shined, such as the Mavericks’ improved defense and 91-91 tie with 5:30 left. The Mavericks lost 107-99 in regulation.
Mavericks-Angeles Lakers Highlights
Tuesday’s game between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers saw an influx of highlights, such as Sports Illustrated’s recent report of Kyrie Irving praising his “budding star” teammate, PJ Washington, for taking the opportunity to step up with Doncic being gone. Washington has been helping Irving, but it’s up to the Mavericks to right the ship and get their key players healthy for the NBA playoffs.
For the Mavericks, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently said that the Mavericks vs. Lakers matchup could see a change of plan for Doncic. Windhorst believes that the Doncic and LeBron James duo will work out, but believes that Doncic needs to be let off his leash a little. He added that he thinks that Doncic will benefit from playing the Mavericks.
For the Lakers, Athlon Sports’ recent report of the Lakers legend Magic Johnson was eye-opening. Johnson sent an urgent message to the Lakers ahead of Doncic’s first game against the Mavericks. He posted on X, formerly Twitter, “Okay Lakers – one playoff contending team down. Now it’s time to get ready for the Mavs!” Johnson’s post hinted at an intense matchup with drama and energy.
Final Thoughts
Stephen Curry scored 30 points as the Golden State Warriors raced past the Dallas Mavericks, 126-102, at the Chase Center on Sunday. The Mavericks fell to 31-17, while the Warriors moved to 30-27 and half a game of the Mavericks for eighth place in the Western Conference. Kyrie Irving and PJ Washington led the Mavericks with 17 points apiece, while Klay Thompson and Jaden Hardy each scored 11 points.
Despite a short stay in Golden State, Jimmy Butler has been making a stark difference that Draymond Green said last week that the Warriors will win this year’s NBA title. Since acquiring Butler, Golden State has gone 5-1, with the lone loss to the Mavericks, 111-107, in the final game before the NBA All-Star break. Butler has been averaging 20 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in his six games with the Warriors while elevating playoff expectations.
The Mavericks will return home to open a three-game homestand starting Thursday vs. the Charlotte Hornets at 7:30 p.m. Central. Previously, Charlotte took on Golden State at the Chase Center on Tuesday before traveling to Dallas, Texas, and possibly suffering the effects of jet lag on top of existing injuries, offensive struggles, and chemistry issues. The Hornets lost to the Golden State Warriors, 128-92, in regulation.
