Anthony Davis leads stunning comeback against Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, entering the game eager to snap the Pelicans’ impressive four-game winning streak. The Mavericks were riding high as well, having claimed victory in six of their last nine games. However, the odds favored the Pelicans, partly due to Cooper Flagg being listed as questionable with a back contusion—though he ultimately took the court.
Davis and Thompson set the stage
The early stages of the game showcased a fierce battle, with Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson emerging as the focal points. The Pelicans surged ahead, establishing an 11-point lead, largely driven by the efforts of Herb Jones and Saddiq Bey. This sparked Thompson into action. Davis was instrumental from the start, contributing 10 of the Mavericks’ first 15 points, while Thompson followed suit, scoring 11 of the next 17. Although their efforts didn’t immediately shift the momentum in favor of the Mavericks, they laid the groundwork for a second-quarter resurgence.
As the second quarter unfolded, Davis continued his high-level performance, scoring six of the first 14 points. His dominance helped the Mavericks reclaim the lead. A pivotal 9-2 run, powered by both Davis and Thompson, allowed Dallas to pull ahead by nine points. Once they established this advantage, they initially seemed poised to maintain control.
Mavericks maintain momentum, but Pelicans strike back
P.J. Washington’s three-pointer at the start of the third quarter pushed the Mavericks’ lead to double digits for the first time. Throughout the quarter, the lead fluctuated between six and ten points as Flagg began to assert himself, and Naji Marshall found success against his former team. Yet, the Pelicans were not to be underestimated.
As the fourth quarter began, the Mavericks held an 11-point lead following a floater from Davis that brought his total to 31 points. However, the Pelicans ignited an impressive 18-4 run, flipping the script and seizing a three-point lead. Jordan Poole played a critical role in this resurgence, nailing a running three-pointer that tied the game, before Trey Murphy knocked down a shot to give New Orleans the edge.
Pelicans pull away in the clutch
With the game tied at 103 and just under five minutes remaining, the Pelicans seized control, outscoring the Mavericks 14-3 over the next three and a half minutes. This decisive stretch proved too much for Dallas, and they ultimately fell short, with New Orleans claiming a 119-113 victory.
Davis concluded the night with an impressive 35 points and 17 rebounds. Thompson added 20 points, while Flagg contributed 16. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 24 points, and the team showcased remarkable depth, placing six players in double figures. Derik Queen turned in a noteworthy performance as well, finishing with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists.
As the dust settles from this thrilling contest, the Mavericks must grapple with their missed opportunities while the Pelicans celebrate a hard-fought comeback victory.
