Dallas Mavericks Defeat Portland Trail Blazers 133-128 in OT
The Dallas Mavericks concluded the five-game homestand against the Portland Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center on Sunday. The Mavericks defeated the Trail Blazers 133-128 in an overtime thriller. Dallas improved to 4-10, while Portland fell to 6-7.
In case you missed it, ESPN’s Jorge Sedano revealed a Mavericks executive compared Luka Doncic’s mentality to Kobe Bryant’s after championship defeats. However, the executive stated that the comparison didn’t go well for Doncic, since he was nowhere near Bryant.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers Starters
Sunday’s game was an opportunity for both teams to get a win and reassure their respective fanbases that everything will be alright. Dallas’ starting lineup featured Brandon Williams, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford.
Dallas ruled out Kyrie Irving (knee), Dante Exum (knee), Anthony Davis (calf), and Ryan Nembhard (knee). Portland’s starting lineup featured Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Jerami Grant, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan. Portland ruled out Damian Lillard (knee), Matisse Thybulle (thumb), Blake Wesley (foot), Scoot Henderson (hamstring), and Jrue Holiday (calf).
Mavericks vs. Trail Blazers Recap
Sunday’s game could’ve been described as the battle of the bottom-feeders, given both teams’ low records to start the 2025-26 season. However, Dallas’ debut of the new City Edition uniforms was a bright light amid the turmoil.
Portland outscored Dallas in the first quarter. Jerami Grant hit a highlight reel-worthy three-pointer that dazzled the Trail Blazers fans. Shaedon Sharpe threw down an and-1 dunk. Portland took a 37-29 lead to end the first.
Dallas cut Portland’s lead in the second quarter but fell short. Klay Thompson delivered with vintage three-pointers. PJ Washington also delivered with three-pointers. Moussa Cisse amazed the home crowd with a layup off of Naji Marshall’s pass. Portland took a 61-57 lead into halftime.
Portland’s Efforts
Portland fended off Dallas’ efforts in the third quarter. Shaedon Sharpe threw down a one-handed jam. Kris Murray nailed a three-pointer. Cooper Flagg weaved through traffic to make a layup. Portland took a 91-85 lead through three quarters.
Dallas outscored Portland in the fourth quarter. Dereck Lively II blocked Shaedon Sharpe’s layup attempt. Max Christie nailed a three-pointer. Naji Marshall wowed the home crowd with the score and the foul.
Deni Avdija’s fancy finish helped the game go into overtime after a 118-118 tie.
Dallas outshone Portland in overtime. Dallas’ 20 points were no match for Portland’s 15. Dallas won 133-128 in overtime.
Final Thoughts
Dallas hits the road to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on FDSN.
Portland returns home to host the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. Pacific. The game will be broadcast on NBC, AZFamily, and Peacock.
