Mavericks Vs Nets — mavericks vs nets: Nets outclassed as injury-marred Mavericks keep pace
The mavericks vs nets meeting ended 123-114 in Dallas’ favor before a crowd of 16, 510 at Barclays Center, a game in which Brooklyn’s available roster was outclassed from start to finish. For the second time in a week the Nets had a clean injury report and their whole team available against an injury-riddled Mavericks squad.
Mavericks Vs Nets game flow
Brooklyn was outscored 76-64 in the first half as Dallas shot 64. 4 percent in that period and 58. 5 percent for the game. The Nets trailed by as much as 15 after Marvin Bagley III drilled a 3-pointer to give Dallas a 59-44 lead with 5: 44 left in the first half. Brooklyn still trailed 104-96 with nine minutes to play before Terance Mann, with 17 points off the bench, sandwiched 3-pointers around Noah Clowney’s block of Bagley. Mann’s second long ball pulled Brooklyn within a deuce with 7: 42 remaining, but Klay Thompson splashing a 30-footer halted the Nets’ momentum and Brandon Williams’ tough 3-pointer over Nic Claxton made it 113-106; the Nets never recovered.
Defense and shooting numbers
Jordi Fernández pointed to defense as the deciding factor: “It was all defense. In the first half, you look at those 76 points and it’s pretty atrocious, ” he said. “From the ball pressure to everybody behind it, the communication, we were not in place and our efforts were either too late or too much, never on point. ” Brooklyn allowed 58. 5 percent shooting overall and 64. 4 percent in the first half.
Standings and rebounding
The Nets fell to 15-42 and remain third in the lottery standings. They stayed a game behind second-place Indiana, and moved a game ahead of Washington and New Orleans. Brooklyn was beaten on the glass 44-28 in the game, a rebounding margin that contributed heavily to the loss.
Player performances and quotes
Michael Porter Jr. had a game-high 26 points on 9-for-16 shooting but did not record a rebound. He addressed his play and rhythm after the game: “I could be playing better. I’ve got to get back in rhythm. Before the All-Star break I didn’t play a couple games, and then I honestly didn’t do much over the break, so I’ve got to get back in rhythm and play better, ” he said, later adding, “My shot hasn’t felt this off since I can remember. For the last 4 or 5 games. That’s what happens when you’re out of rhythm and you don’t play for a while… I think not playing before the break and not getting in the gym much during it, I’m paying the price for it. But I’ll get back to it sooner rather than later. ”
Marvin Bagley III scored 22 points on 10-for-13 shooting. Noah Clowney added 22 points on 4-for-5 shooting from deep. Egor Dëmin had just three points on 1-for-7 shooting. Nic Claxton finished with 16 points, nine assists, three steals but just four boards. The Nets’ sievelike defense and lack of boards were decisive factors.
Injuries, travel and preview notes
The Mavericks played without 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving and Derek Lively II. Dallas’ PJ Washington limped off the court with 1: 11 to play. The preview build-up to the game noted New York City recovering from a weekend blizzard; the Nets wrapped up a three-game road trip with an afternoon affair against the Atlanta Hawks, in which Brooklyn led for much of the game before the Hawks closed on a 24-2 run to hand the Nets their fourth consecutive loss. Everyone across the city was trying to dig themselves out of the snow, and the Nets were scheduled to make it back in to town early that afternoon. The Mavericks were stranded in Indianapolis and as of noon hadn’t left yet.
Roster and availability lines in the lead-in included that Ryan Nembhard and Moussa Cisse are doubtful and Daniel Gafford is questionable. The preview also noted that the three two-ways remain with Long Island.
Front office, draft talk and context
The preview suggested Dallas is transitioning into another era, noting the team snapped a ten-game losing streak with a road win against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday afternoon. Commentators suggested pairing Cooper Flagg with another pick in the Draft could get the Mavericks back in the playoffs as soon as next season, and that despite recent issues, with Flagg playing like a franchise star things looked bright despite the antics of Patrick Dumont and Miriam Adelson. Tyler Edsel wrote: “Dallas, as an organization, needs to ask itself tough questions to figure out where we’re going here. Keep the team as is, win 32 games, and in all likelihood miss out on the best guards in the draft? Or sell off some veterans for some draft assets, set yourself up to have a step back this season and enhance your chance at acquiring Cooper Flagg’s point guard of the future. The choice is clear and obvious. It’s time for the Mavericks to get serious about the build around Cooper Flagg, something I’ve been calling for since the Lottery in May. For the future of the organization, the Mavericks have to get this right, right now. That can only mean one thing for Dallas: It’s time to sell and race to the bottom. ”
Two former Nets who will play roles in Dallas’ direction were identified: Jason Kidd, the Mavs head coach, and Matt Riccardi, the Mavs co-interim GM. It was also noted that Bagley III came over from the Washington Wizards in the Anthony Davis trade and, in five games, was averaging close to a double-double on 53. 5 percent shooting from the field; if he can keep it up he could earn a permanent spot and be someone Jason Kidd can count on in the future.
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Brooklyn’s immediate outlook included the need to clean up the boards and defensive communication after a game that left the Nets outclassed from the opening half. The scoreline, attendance and sequence of events underscore a difficult outing for a team that entered the night with its whole roster available.
