The brilliant Cooper Flagg brings the Mavericks to life against the Nets

After two straight losses, the Mavericks bounced back with a 113-105 win against the Nets. Despite a reduced workforce, Dallas was able to hang on and make a difference in time for the money, led by the big Cooper Flagg.

As often in recent weeks, coach Jason Kidd surprised with a starting five without a real leader. This time, Jaden Hardy and Dwight Powell followed Flagg. The gamble paid off immediately as Hardy scored 11 of his 14 points in the first five minutes, including a three-pointer to give Dallas an ideal start. As the first quarter wore on, Flagg found his rhythm, Klay Thompson came off the bench to punish behind the arc, and Moussa Cisse was diligent near the circle. Dallas ended the first quarter with a nine-point lead (32-23).

The second quarter was more balanced. The Mavericks kept the lead close to ten points, and Flagg took some tough shots after returning to the floor. In contrast, Michael Porter Jr. kept Brooklyn afloat thanks to his skill. Late in the half, Flagg briefly caught fire on both ends of the court, but Terrence Mann’s 3-pointer at the buzzer allowed the Nets to limit the damage: 56-45 at the break.

Red Flag Alert

After returning from the locker room, the Dallas offense suffered a serious slump. Porter Jr., very hot, took advantage of this drop in speed to bring Brooklyn closer. A tense moment as Flagg sprained his left ankle and left the field, prompting Texas fans to fear a change of script. But the rookie returned after just a few minutes of absence, and Dallas regained control and entered the final quarter with a seven-point lead (84-77).

Brooklyn, however, never gave up. The Nets got back to 99-95 five minutes from the end without being able to tie the game. Then Naji Marshall took matters into his own hands: 12 points in the final quarter, including three decisive consecutive baskets. Flagg sealed the game with a killer layup, giving Dallas a 113-105 win to start a four-game homestand.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Kidd continues to fumble. While waiting for Kyrie Irving to return, and without Anthony Davis or PJ Washington, Jason Kidd has no choice but to experiment. He thus offers a second start to Jaden Hardy, and the wing allowed the Mavericks to lead the entire match!

Klay Thompson near Top 4. At the start of the 4th quarter, Thompson had his 2,800. career triple. He became the fifth player in NBA history to reach this milestone, and is just five shots ahead of Damian Lillard for fourth place on the all-time 3-point scoring list. Overall, Thompson was very good with 18 points on 6 of 9 3-pointers.

Jordi Fernandez is spinning. The Nets coach continues to “manage the workload.” This time, Michael Porter Jr. is present, but Cam Thomas and Yegor Demin were rested because they played the day before.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.