Cooper Flagg and Naji Marshall led the depleted Dallas Mavericks to a 113-105 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night. Flagg's 27 points and three steals matched his season high, while Marshall's three consecutive baskets in the final stretch contributed to his 22-point total. The Mavericks, snapping a two-game losing streak, received a boost from Klay Thompson's 18 points and six 3-pointers off the bench. Meanwhile, the Nets, who have lost four straight games, saw Michael Porter Jr. score 28 points and Day'Ron Sharpe grab 14 points and 12 rebounds.
The game was a stark contrast to their previous meeting on December 12, where the Mavericks won 119-111 with 23 lead changes and 16 ties. On Monday, the Mavericks controlled the pace, with only one lead change and one tie. The Mavericks' success was despite missing four injured starters, including Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington Jr., and utilizing three players on two-way contracts.
The Nets' struggles continued as they fell to 11-26, while the Mavericks improved to 15-25. The Mavericks will host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, while the Nets will travel to New Orleans. This victory marks a significant step for the Mavericks, who are now in a better position to make a playoff push.
