Dallas Mavericks Will Look To Rebound After Tough 117-107 Loss
The Dallas Mavericks continued their homestand against the Washington Wizards at the American Airlines Center on Friday night. It was also Pride Night to celebrate the LGBTQ community. Dallas dropped a 117-107 decision to Washington. Dallas fell to 0-2, while Washington improved to 1-1.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Washington Wizards Starters
Friday night’s game was full of twists and turns. Both teams appeared to play hard, while both the Mavericks and Wizards fans absorbed each moment from afar. The Mavericks sought to avoid a two-game losing skid, and so did the Wizards.
Mavericks’ rookie Cooper Flagg notched a double-double vs. the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. After the game, Spurs Guard Stephon Castle commented on Flagg, 18. Castle, 20, said, “He didn’t shoot the ball well, but he seemed a lot more poised than I thought he would be … I mean, my first game I was out there nervous. He made some good reads. He didn’t seem too rattled, so I think he’ll have a great year.”
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II. Dallas ruled out Kyrie Irving (knee), Dante Exum (knee), and Daniel Gafford (ankle).
Washington’s starting lineup featured Bub Carrington, CJ McCollum, Kyshawn George, Khris Middleton, and Alex Sarr. Washington ruled out Bilal Coulibaly (thumb).
Mavericks vs. Wizards Recap
Friday night’s game was exciting from start to finish. The action on both ends of the court was exhilarating, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The first quarter was a high-scoring affair. Washington drove through traffic to finish at the rim, and Flagg hit his first NBA 3-pointer. Klay Thompson also delivered a vintage play with a step-back 3-pointer. Dallas led 35-28 at the end of the first.
The second quarter changed pace. Washington jumped out to a 7-0 run, tying the game 35-35 at the nine-minute mark. Washington’s run ended at 11-0 when Dallas got on the board. Dallas’ turnovers and mental mistakes were obvious, and kept the game close. Washington took a 58-56 lead into halftime.
The third quarter started with a bang. Tre Johnson became the fifth rookie in NBA history to record at least three 3-pointers in each of his first two career games. Dallas Head Coach Jason Kidd challenged a foul call but was unsuccessful and was charged a timeout. Washington led 91-78 after three quarters.
The fourth quarter saw Dallas’ fast start that cut the lead to eight points, 94-86, at 9:21. Dallas picked up the pace. Flagg rocked the rim with a powerful jam. However, turnovers and missed shots cost Dallas. Washington won 117-107 in regulation.
Final Thoughts
Dallas remains home to host the Toronto Raptors in a non-conference game on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on KFAA. Washington returns home to welcome the Charlotte Hornets in a conference game on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on FDSSE.
