Mavs Stumble Into All-Star Break with Blowout Loss to Lakers
The Dallas Mavericks limped into the All-Star break with a 124-104 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, a game that felt like a microcosm of their recent struggles. Missing Luka Dončić and Cooper Flagg, Dallas was outplayed on both ends of the floor and never quite found its footing.
It marked the ninth straight loss for a Mavericks team that, not long ago, was being praised for its defensive identity. Now, that same defense is leaking points at an alarming rate.
Let’s break down the individual performances from a night the Mavs will want to forget.
Brandon Williams: B+
17 PTS / 5 REB / 7 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK - 29 MIN
Williams continues to show flashes of being a reliable secondary playmaker. His stat line was solid across the board-efficient scoring, team-high assists, and a surprising number of boards for his size and role.
He was assertive without being reckless, though his four turnovers down the stretch did take some shine off an otherwise composed performance. Still, for a guy not always tasked with running the offense, he handled himself well against a Lakers team that was locked in.
Max Christie: B+
19 PTS / 1 REB / 4 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK - 30 MIN
Christie looked comfortable and confident, mixing in strong drives with a smooth shooting touch. He hit from deep (2-for-4) and mid-range, and wasn’t shy about creating his own shot.
He did rack up some unnecessary fouls, and his plus-minus was rough, but the eye test showed a player who brought energy and scoring punch. If he can clean up the fouls and stay aggressive, he could carve out a bigger role post-break.
Naji Marshall: B+
19 PTS / 2 REB / 4 AST / 2 STL / 0 BLK - 29 MIN
Marshall has been one of the few bright spots during this rough stretch. Once again, he played with purpose and versatility, contributing on both ends and leading the Mavs in scoring before exiting early with a foot strain.
His ability to impact the game without needing plays drawn up for him is invaluable, especially on a night when the offense was sputtering. Dallas will hope his injury is nothing serious-he’s become one of their most dependable guys.
P.J. Washington: B-
18 PTS / 4 REB / 2 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK - 34 MIN
This was a step in the right direction for Washington. He looked more comfortable within the offense, and while some of his production came in garbage time, he still hit his shots and played within himself. The next step is consistency-Dallas needs him to bring this kind of effort and execution every night, not just when the game is out of reach.
Daniel Gafford: C-
2 PTS / 6 REB / 1 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK - 28 MIN
Gafford’s night was frustrating. With the Mavs thin in the frontcourt, he’s being asked to do a lot-but the production just isn’t matching the minutes.
He struggled to stay out of foul trouble, had a couple of sloppy turnovers, and didn’t make a real impact until a late-game block that required a coach’s challenge to stand. He exited late with right ankle soreness, and frankly, his performance had already left plenty to be desired.
Gafford works hard, but the results have to improve.
Klay Thompson: C
Thompson knocked down shots here and there, but turnovers were a major issue. He coughed it up four times, and each one seemed to come at a moment when the Mavs were trying to claw back into it. He’s still adjusting to his role in Dallas, but the veteran has to take better care of the ball-especially when the team is already short-handed.
Marvin Bagley: B+
7 PTS / 4 REB / 0 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK - 20 MIN
Bagley made the most of his limited minutes. He was active on the glass, showed good touch around the rim, and played with energy.
It’s hard to understand why he didn’t see more time, especially given Gafford’s struggles. Since arriving in Dallas, Bagley has looked rejuvenated.
If he keeps this up, he might force his way into a bigger role after the break.
Khris Middleton: C
Middleton is still finding his rhythm in Dallas, and this game was another reminder that the adjustment period is ongoing. He couldn’t get his shot to fall (3-for-11), and while he didn’t turn the ball over, he also didn’t make much of an impact. The Mavs don’t need him to be a star every night, but they do need more efficiency and presence from a player with his experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s no way around it-the Mavericks are in a tailspin. This nine-game losing streak has exposed cracks in what was once one of the league’s stingiest defenses.
Against the Lakers, they gave up 124 points and never looked like a team capable of mounting a serious comeback. The absence of Dončić and Flagg certainly looms large, but the issues run deeper than missing stars.
Defensive rotations are late, energy is inconsistent, and the bench isn’t delivering the spark it once did.
Now comes the All-Star break. For Dallas, it couldn’t come at a better time.
They need rest, they need clarity, and most of all-they need answers. Because when the season resumes, the margin for error will be razor thin.