Mavericks Fall in Overtime to Jazz Despite Career Night from Flagg
The Dallas Mavericks went toe-to-toe with the Utah Jazz in a wild, high-scoring battle Monday night, but ultimately came up short in overtime, falling 140-133. With Anthony Davis sidelined, the Mavs leaned heavily on their young core-and they delivered. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to close the deal late.
Let’s break down the key performances from a game that had no shortage of fireworks.
Cooper Flagg: A+
42 PTS / 7 REB / 6 AST / 1 STL / 2 BLK - 42 MIN
This was a coming-out party for Cooper Flagg. The rookie didn’t just score a career-high-he owned the game for long stretches, especially with Davis out.
Flagg was relentless attacking the rim, drawing contact and living at the line with 20 free throw attempts. He hit 13 of his 27 shots and added six assists, showing off his growing playmaking chops.
Yes, there were four turnovers and a few missed freebies, but that’s nitpicking. Flagg carried the offense, set the tone, and looked every bit like a future franchise cornerstone. This was his most complete performance yet-and the kind of game that turns heads around the league.
P.J. Washington: A
25 PTS / 13 REB / 0 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK - 39 MIN
Washington played with energy and purpose all night, and it showed. He controlled the glass, led the team in rebounds, and chipped in 25 points on 10-of-20 shooting. His ability to leak out in transition for easy buckets was a difference-maker, and he gave the Mavericks a much-needed physical presence in the paint.
Would you like to see an assist or two? Sure. But when a guy gives you 25 and 13 and plays with that kind of motor, it’s hard to ask for much more.
Ryan Nembhard: B+
14 PTS / 4 REB / 11 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK - 38 MIN
Nembhard bounced back in a big way after a quieter performance last time out. He was back to orchestrating the offense with confidence, finishing with a double-double and showing off his vision with 11 assists. The four turnovers were uncharacteristic, especially for someone who typically takes care of the ball so well, but overall, this was a strong showing from the young guard.
He played with poise, pushed the tempo, and got guys involved. That’s exactly what you want from your floor general.
Naji Marshall: B+
15 PTS / 3 REB / 1 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK - 36 MIN
Marshall continues to do the little things that don’t always show up in the box score. He’s calm, composed, and always seems to find a way to make an impact. Whether it’s locking in defensively or hitting a tough shot late in the clock, Marshall plays with a coolness that’s contagious.
He shot 58.3% from the field, including a clutch three when the shot clock was winding down-just another example of how he steps up without needing plays drawn for him.
Max Christie: B
8 PTS / 5 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK - 28 MIN
Christie didn’t have a flashy night, but he made his minutes count. He was solid defensively, contributed on the boards, and made some timely plays-none bigger than calmly sinking the free throws that tied the game in the final seconds of regulation.
His shot wasn’t quite there (0-for-2 from deep), but his ability to stay ready and make critical plays in crunch time earned him a solid grade.
Klay Thompson: B
12 PTS / 2 REB / 0 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK - 21 MIN
Thompson started strong, hitting some early threes and giving the Mavericks a boost with his shooting. He finished 4-of-9 from beyond the arc, which you’ll take every night. But in the closing moments, Dallas could’ve used one more big shot from the veteran-and it just didn’t come.
Still, his floor spacing helped open things up for Flagg and Washington, and his presence alone keeps defenses honest.
Daniel Gafford: N/A
2 PTS / 2 REB / 2 AST / 1 STL / 1 BLK - 13 MIN
Gafford was back in action but on a minutes restriction, so there’s not enough here for a full grade. That said, he made the most of his limited time, contributing across the board. His timing was understandably off after the layoff-he committed three fouls-but it was good to see him back out there.
Final Takeaway
This one stings. Dallas had a real shot to pull out a win despite being shorthanded, and for most of the night, it looked like they might. Flagg was electric, Washington was a force, and several others stepped up to fill the Davis-sized void.
But in the end, the Mavs ran out of steam. The Jazz made just a few more plays in overtime, and that was the difference.
Still, there’s a lot to like here-especially with Flagg’s breakout performance. If this is a sign of what’s to come, Dallas has something special on its hands. Now it’s about learning from the late-game miscues and getting ready for the next one.