DALLAS, TEXAS — The Dallas Mavericks fell to the Sacramento Kings, 122-98, moving to 2-3 against the Kings in their last five matchups and 4-6 in their last ten games overall.
Despite the loss, the Mavericks’ bench showed impressive depth, outscoring Sacramento’s reserves 75-35. Dallas also won several key statistical battles, including points in the paint (54-42), second-chance points (17-11), and fast break points (11-9).
Kai Jones Shines in Debut
Making his Mavericks debut, Kai Jones delivered a career-best performance, recording a career-high 21 points on near-perfect shooting (9-10 FG, 3-4 FT) along with 9 rebounds and a block. Jones led the team in scoring and came just one rebound shy of his first career 20-point double-double.
Before tonight, Jones’ previous career-high was 12 points. With his efficient scoring, Jones became just the third player since at least the 1975-76 season to record at least 20 points on 90% shooting or better in his debut with a new franchise, joining Kermit Washington and Joe Smith.
Naji Marshall’s All-Around Impact
Naji Marshall contributed 18 points (7-13 FG, 4-4 FT), 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. This marked Marshall’s 16th game of the season with at least 15 points, leaving him just one game shy of tying his career-best season mark of 17 games with 15+ points.
With 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, Marshall also notched his second 15-5-5 game with the Mavericks and the eighth such performance of his career.
Max Christie Continues to Produce
Max Christie recorded his ninth double-digit scoring effort as a Maverick and his 28th of the season. For context, Christie only had nine double-digit scoring games combined in his first two NBA seasons (2022-24).
Kings’ Efficiency and LaVine’s Leadership
Sacramento shot a perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line, marking their first flawless free-throw game of the season.
Trey Lyles tied his career-high with 6 assists, while Zach LaVine led all scorers with 22 points (8-12 FG, 4-5 3FG), adding 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.
Dallas will look to bounce back in their next outing as they continue to push for playoff positioning in the tightly contested Western Conference.
