New Orleans Pelicans Storm Back To Beat the Dallas Mavericks, 119-113
The New Orleans Pelicans hosted the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. The Pelicans defeated the Mavericks 119-113 at the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans improved to 8-22 and achieved a five-game win streak, while Dallas fell to 11-19.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Dallas Mavericks Starters
New Orleans’ starting lineup featured Saddiq Bey, Jeremiah Fears, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, and Derik Queen. New Orleans ruled out Dejounte Murray (Achilles).
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Ryan Nembhard, Naji Marshall, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington Jr., and Anthony Davis. Dallas ruled out Dante Exum (knee), Kyrie Irving (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), and Max Christie (illness).
Pelicans vs. Mavericks Recap
Monday night’s game was a battle of the bottom feeders, but the last time these two teams played, Dallas beat New Orleans 118-115. Cooper Flagg led the Mavs with 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in that contest.
Flagg turned 19 on Sunday. As an 18-year-old, he headlined multiple lists: the youngest player to record 40+ points, 10+ assists, third-most total points (526), a double-double in his career debut, and a points-assists double-double.
Flagg is tied for the most points by a Mavs rookie (42). He earned Western Conference Rookie of the Month for October and November. He recorded the second-most 20-point games by an 18-year-old, the second-most 20-point halves by an 18-year-old, and the only 18-year-old to record multiple 20-point games with zero turnovers.
New Orleans had a strong start, leading 18-9 within the first five minutes of the first quarter. Queen found Jones, who completed the three-pointer. Dallas picked up the pace but fell short. Davis made a big bucket. Klay Thompson hit a three-pointer, displaying a glimpse of vintage play. New Orleans took a 36-34 lead to end the first.
Both teams played with intensity in the second quarter. Zion Williamson found a way to the lob into the offense when he threw a long-distance pass to Karlo Matlovic. Davis threw down a two-handed slam. Dallas’ attempt to pick up the pace succeeded. Dallas took a 63-57 lead into halftime.
Davis and Thompson combined for 42 first-half points. The duo’s achievement marked the highest-scoring half of the season, and the most Thompson scored in any opening half this year. Davis added a game-high 10 rebounds with his game-high 22 points in the first half, giving him his 30th career 20-point, 10-rebound half.
Dallas made a bucket to open the third quarter. The Pelicans quickly responded with a bucket of its own. Washington shone with three-pointers. Fears got the steal and went coast-to-coast for the dunk. Dallas took an 87-79 lead through three quarters.
Both teams exchanged buckets to start the fourth quarter. Marshall hit a clutch corner pocket three-pointer. Jones suffered a right ankle sprain and left Monday’s game. New Orleans tied the score 98-98, took a 107-103 lead, and never looked back. New Orleans won 119-113 in regulation.
Final Thoughts
Dallas returns home to host the Denver Nuggets in the second game of a back-to-back on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Central. Dallas’ recent rise is noteworthy, but Denver’s offensive prowess and team chemistry can stifle Dallas.
The Pelicans hit the road to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. New Orleans gets an opportunity to upset a wishy-washy Cleveland team.
