DALLAS, TEXAS — The Dallas Mavericks suffered a 113-109 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, evening their season series at 1-1. Despite the setback, Dallas remains dominant in recent matchups against Brooklyn, winning eight of their last ten encounters, including six straight victories before tonight’s game.
Dallas controlled the paint, outscoring the Nets 56-36 down low. The Mavericks had all five starters score in double figures, marking the 13th time this season they’ve achieved that feat and the fourth consecutive game in which it has occurred. Daniel Gafford led the team with 17 points, followed by Klay Thompson (13), P.J. Washington Jr. (13), Anthony Davis (12), and Spencer Dinwiddie (11). The team also took care of the ball, committing just eight turnovers—marking their ninth game this season with fewer than nine, tying them for the 10th-most such games in the league.
Gafford Shines in Return
Making his first appearance since February 10 against Sacramento, Daniel Gafford paced the Mavericks with 17 points (7-9 FG, 3-6 FT), adding seven rebounds and two assists. With this performance, Gafford matched his career-best season total (18) of games with at least 15 points, set in 2023-24. He also recorded his 35th double-digit scoring game of the season, tying for his second-best career total (2022-23).
Anthony Davis posted a balanced stat line with 12 points (5-10 FG), seven rebounds, five assists, and one block. It marked his 13th game this season reaching at least 10 points, five rebounds, and five assists, ranking as his third-best season in that category (18 in 2018-19; 20 in 2023-24). Meanwhile, Klay Thompson connected on three three-pointers, increasing his season total to 204 and tying Tim Hardaway Jr.’s 2019-20 mark for the sixth-most threes in a single season in Mavericks history.
Brooklyn’s Hot Shooting Seals Victory
The Nets thrived from beyond the arc, knocking down 20 three-pointers at a 39.2% clip. This marked the fourth time this season they’ve hit 20 threes in a game, tying for their second-most in a single contest.
Keon Johnson led all scorers with 24 points (10-19 FG, 2-8 3FG), recording his third-highest scoring performance of his career. D’Angelo Russell contributed 18 points (5-10 FG, 4-7 3FG), 11 assists, and five rebounds, marking his second game this season with at least 15 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds. This also stood as his fourth double-double of the season and his third since returning to Brooklyn.
Tyrese Martin made a notable impact with 11 points (3-8 FG, 3-6 3FG), six rebounds, and five assists. It marked his first career game reaching at least 10 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Despite the loss, the Mavericks remain in the playoff hunt as they look to bounce back in their upcoming matchup.
