Dallas Mavericks Knock Off Los Angeles Lakers Behind a Masterpiece From Cooper Flagg

The Dallas Mavericks concluded a two-game homestand against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. The Mavericks beat the Lakers 134-128 at American Airlines Center. Dallas improved to 25-53 and has a one-game winning streak. Los Angeles fell to 50-28 and has a two-game losing streak.

The Mavs hosted Naji Marshall Collectible Pin Night. The first 5,000 fans received a Naji Marshall collectible pin. One lucky fan received a golden Naji Marshall collectible pin and won a $250 gift card to Dave & Buster’s.

In Case You Missed It

The Mavericks suffered a loss to the Orlando Magic 138-127 at American Airlines Center on Friday. Cooper Flagg led the Mavs with 51 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Wendell Carter Jr. led the Magic with 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Flagg recorded a career-high 51 points. He surpassed his previous career-high of 49 points. He became the 10th rookie in NBA history to score 50+ points and the third rookie to do so since the NBA-ABA merger. He became the only teenager to score 50+.

The Lakers suffered a blowout to the Oklahoma City Thunder 139-96 at the Paycom Center on Thursday. Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers Starters

Dallas’ starting lineup featured Max Christie, Naji Marshall, Flagg, PJ Washington Jr., and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Caleb Martin (right plantar fascia strain), and PJ Washington (illness).

Los Angeles’ starting lineup featured Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Luke Kennard. Los Angeles ruled out Luka Doncic (Grade 2 left hamstring strain), Austin Reaves (Grade 2 left oblique muscle strain), and Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion).

Mavericks vs. Lakers Recap

The Mavericks and Lakers’ rivalry has significantly evolved in recent years. The Mavs once struggled against the Lakers, but Dirk Nowitzki led his then-team to NBA playoff contention and a 2011 NBA Championship.

Both teams saw a slow start to the first quarter, but shrugged things off. Flagg picked up where he left off, and Dallas took a 14-7 lead. He finished with 19 first-quarter points. Los Angeles responded with a 10-3 run to tie the game at 17-17. Klay Thompson hit a late three-pointer. Dallas took a 41-30 lead to end the first.

Dallas went on a 10-0 run to open the second quarter on a high note. Los Angeles finally got on the board before picking up the pace. James threw down back-to-back dunks, including a dunk over Flagg. James reached 22 points on 9-of-11 field goal shooting. Dallas took a 67-61 lead into halftime.

Flagg finished the first half with 26 points on 9-of-16 field goal shooting, 2-of-3 three-point shooting, and 6-of-6 free throw shooting, along with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. The finish was the most Flagg has scored in a first half in his career, and accompanied his career-best 38-point second half on Friday.

Flagg’s dominance resumed in the third quarter. He recorded his third career 35-5-5 game, trailing just James for the most said games in NBA history. Los Angeles kept the game close, with highlight-reel plays, such as James’ steal and slam dunks. Dallas had a 107-97 lead through three quarters.

Los Angeles opened the fourth quarter scoring. LaRavia threw down a dunk to reach 10 points as L.A. cut the lead to 112-107 past the midway mark of the final quarter. Dallas ran into bad luck. Gafford suffered a right shoulder strain and didn’t return, but Dallas’ firepower remained as Washington threw down a two-handed jam. Dallas won 134-128 in regulation.

Next Steps

The Mavericks embark on a three-game road trip starting with the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Pacific. The Mavs’ star players, defensive strengths, and scoring opportunities can lead to a win over the Clippers.

The Lakers host the Oklahoma City Thunder in a one-game home tilt on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Pacific. The Lakers’ defensive improvements, offensive strengths, and strategic matchup advantages can potentially lead to a win over the Thunder.