At the end of the suspense, Cooper Flag brings back the smiles to the Mavericks

The Mavs can be happy they got away with it. Faced with training Portland always as striking, with Danny Avdia (29 points) and his lieutenants Sheddon Sharp and Jerram Grant (36 and 26 points), Dallas had to turn their backs and break away to go to overtime and eventually win 138-133. This will give Jason Kidd’s side some respite after a difficult few weeks, which have seen seven defeats in eight games andousting GM Nick Harrison.

The duel was fierce until the end and the Blazers held the Texans for almost the entire match. The first act quickly allowed Portland to show their intent, with solid defense and attacking efficiency. In the blink of an eye, a dunk by Robert Williams III and three-pointers by Shaddon Sharp and Tumani Kamara at the top of the period allowed the Oregon franchise to take the lead (29-37). Notable contributions from D’Angelo Russell and Klay Thompson, with his three 3-pointers (and Moussa Sissa), allowed Dallas to stay in touch until the break, with reinforcements from Daniel Gafford near the circle and PJ Washington from long range (57-61).

Cooper Flagg from shadow to light

Portland continued the offensive with a 9-0 run during which Shaedon Sharpe shined again, in the alley, and then with a left-handed layup in transition, served Danny Avdia each time (61-70). To lift their heads, Dallas could count on Cooper Flagg, who had been discreet until then, and who regained the momentum to allow his team to get back on track. After PJ Washington’s three-pointer, he shot from long range before offering a completely crazy counter to finish with 2+1 ahead of Toumani Kamara and Danny Avdia (70-75).

The action that announced the beginning of the rebellion, even if the Blazers did not say the last word! Two 3-point baskets by Chris Murray allowed Portland to attack the final act at +6 (85-91). PJ Washington had to try again from distance twice, then was imitated by Max Christie to force destiny (96-100). Cooper Flagg then sparked what seemed to be the final burst on a 13-2 run that was still marked by the arrows of the Christie-Washington pairing (111-106).

Apart from layups by Sheddon Sharp and Danny Avdia, then Jerami Grant’s three throws put everything in question. A missed throw, at the very end of the match, by Cooper Flagg is a reminder that the whole thing remains fragile. Portland had a chance to win the match on the last possession, very badly negotiated by Danny Avdia (118-118). Dallas wouldn’t let him through…

Daniel Gafford led the way with 2+1, Cooper Flagg made up for a missed shot late in the game with two baskets before sending PJ Washington to break the circle and explode the sound meter at the American Airlines Center (132-129). The relief came immediately, after the exclusion of Danny Avdia for six fouls and thanks to the final authoritarian layout signed by Brandon Williams (136-131). The Mavs were hot, but the main thing is there (138-133).

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Cooper, you’re welcome. Each matchup allows you to learn more about the No. 1 draft pick, his resilience under pressure and how he deals with adversity. And the least we can say is that he has a thick skin! In a difficult context, after a very timid first half, the winger managed to come back, scoring ten points in the third quarter – including this crazy counterattack, between behind-the-back dribbles and acrobatic finishing under pressure – while being present in the “money time” to finish the job and forget his missed shot. He finished as his team’s leading scorer, second leading rebounder and third leading passer, all without a turnover, and with a win as a bonus. Great character, Cooper!

Jason Kidd played the piano. And the former leader is clearly a music lover. Because what also comes from this success, in the absence of Anthony Davis (and Kyrie Irving), is the engagement of the entire team, with eight players with 9 points or more. The Mavs coach managed his rotations pretty well, especially bringing in D’Angelo Russell and Klay Thompson off the bench to give his team a boost. Dallas needed everyone to overcome this decidedly tough Portland formation, and the Mavs all mobilized.

Mavs won 7/7. The Mavs came close to another defeat and activated a state of emergency in overtime. In five minutes, the Texans did not miss a shot, ending the “overtime” with a 7/7 shot!

Danny Avdija still hasn’t been paid. This is starting to take a toll on Portland, who have already lost two scoreless games last week in Miami and then Orlando, and still find themselves with a match point without a win in the finish. Danny Avdia was once again the team’s undisputed leader, but Tiago Splitter’s choice not to call a timeout to allow him the final shot was disastrous, ultimately resulting in a poor 3-pointer and a poor shot. His ejection for his sixth foul (very hard) in overtime ended the Blazers’ last hopes.

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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; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.