Mavericks pull off stunning overtime victory against Trail Blazers, highlighted by Cooper Flagg’s late-game heroics
The Dallas Mavericks faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night with a palpable urgency. Coming into the game, the Mavericks were desperate to avoid a winless stretch, especially with star Anthony Davis sidelined for his ninth consecutive game due to a calf strain. The absence of Davis, who is expected to miss another 7-10 days, put additional pressure on the Mavericks to find a rhythm.
Portland’s Firepower Despite Missing Stars
Even without their own stars—Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, and Scoot Henderson—the Trail Blazers were no pushover. Young talents like Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe stepped up, showcasing their scoring abilities. Sharpe, while not always efficient, was relentless in his pursuit of points, whereas Avdija displayed a more measured approach, finding success in his shot selection.
On the Mavericks’ side, however, offensive cohesion was elusive for much of the game. With D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Williams sharing point guard duties, the team struggled to establish a consistent offensive plan. Klay Thompson provided a much-needed spark off the bench, sinking five three-pointers. Yet, it was Cooper Flagg’s late-game involvement that truly shifted the dynamic.
A Dramatic Fourth Quarter Shift
Portland entered the fourth quarter with a 91-85 lead, but a swift 7-0 run from the Mavericks flipped the script, marking their first lead since the opening frame. Flagg, who had been largely quiet with just three shot attempts in the first half, began to assert himself offensively. Despite a brief resurgence from Portland, including a stunning three-pointer from P.J. Washington and another from Max Christie, the Mavericks began to find their rhythm.
The Mavericks’ defense also shone through, bolstered by a formidable center rotation featuring Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Moussa Cisse, who combined for five blocks. Lively’s defensive prowess stood out, suggesting that the Mavericks need to provide their bigs with opportunities for lob passes to maximize their impact.
Overtime Tensions and Key Plays
As the game wound down to its final moments, both teams exchanged missed opportunities. Avdija’s ill-timed three-pointer at the end of regulation pushed the game into overtime, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
In overtime, the intensity escalated. After a series of exchanged baskets, Avdija fouled out with an off-ball foul, turning the momentum squarely in Dallas’ favor. Gafford capitalized by sinking two free throws, putting the Mavericks ahead, and Flagg delivered a critical assist to Washington for a thunderous dunk. Gafford continued to shine, adding an impressive block on Sharpe that further solidified Dallas’s lead.
Ultimately, the Mavericks emerged victorious, clinching a 138-133 win. Flagg and Washington both tallied 21 points, while Gafford contributed 20. Thompson added 19 points to the mix, showcasing the depth of the Mavericks’ roster. For the Trail Blazers, Sharpe’s remarkable 36-point performance, coupled with Avdija’s 29 points and Jerami Grant’s 26, highlighted their competitive spirit despite the loss.
Reflections on Cooper Flagg’s Performance
This thrilling matchup raised several intriguing questions, especially regarding Cooper Flagg’s role within the Mavericks’ offense. As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Flagg continues to navigate his opportunities and further establish himself in the Dallas lineup.
