Pelicans Outlast Mavericks as Dallas Struggles with Execution in Tight Loss
The Dallas Mavericks came into Monday night’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on the front end of a back-to-back, and while the effort was there, the execution wasn’t. The Mavericks dropped a winnable game, 119-113, as New Orleans continued their recent hot streak. Let’s break down the individual performances and where things went wrong for Dallas.
Ryan Nembhard: D
Stat line: 4 PTS | 4 REB | 8 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 25 MIN
It was a rough night at the office for Nembhard.
While the eight assists show he was still trying to get teammates involved, the five turnovers and a 2-for-13 shooting performance made it a game he’ll want to forget quickly. The decision-making wasn’t sharp, and his inability to finish plays hurt the Mavericks’ offensive rhythm, especially in key moments.
Naji Marshall: A-
Stat line: 15 PTS | 5 REB | 6 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 29 MIN
Marshall continues to make the most of his minutes.
Efficient shooting (7-for-10), smart ball movement, and a composed presence under pressure stood out. He knocked down a key three with the shot clock winding down and played within himself, never forcing the issue.
It wasn’t a flashy performance, but it was the kind of solid, two-way effort every coach appreciates.
Cooper Flagg: B
Stat line: 16 PTS | 6 REB | 6 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 35 MIN
Flagg showed flashes of his all-around game, contributing across the board.
He didn’t shoot particularly well (5-for-11), and at times, the physicality of the Pelicans’ frontcourt reminded us he’s still just 19. But even with those growing pains, his poise and versatility were evident.
He probably deserved more touches, especially late, considering how well he reads the floor.
P.J. Washington: C
Stat line: 8 PTS | 8 REB | 0 AST | 1 STL | 2 BLK | 28 MIN
Washington couldn’t quite find his groove.
He hit a couple of threes (2-for-3 from deep), but outside of that, he struggled to impact the offense and turned the ball over three times. His defense and rebounding helped keep his grade afloat, but this was far from his best showing.
The Mavericks needed more from him, especially with Nembhard and Williams scuffling.
Anthony Davis: A
Stat line: 35 PTS | 17 REB | 2 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 35 MIN
Davis brought the full arsenal against his former team.
He was dominant on both ends, putting up 35 points and 17 boards while shooting 16-for-28 from the field. He was aggressive, efficient, and in control.
The only blemish? Four turnovers.
But when you’re anchoring both ends of the floor like he was, that’s a trade most coaches will take. This was Davis at his best-commanding the paint, cleaning the glass, and finishing with authority.
Klay Thompson: B+
Stat line: 20 PTS | 5 REB | 1 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 31 MIN
Thompson came out firing, lighting it up in the first half and reminding everyone how dangerous he still is when he gets hot.
He finished with five threes on 12 attempts and gave the Mavericks a much-needed scoring jolt early. The second half, however, was a different story.
He cooled off significantly and wasn’t much of a factor down the stretch. Still, his early scoring surge kept Dallas in the game when they were struggling to generate offense elsewhere.
Brandon Williams: C
Stat line: 2-for-8 shooting (full stats not listed)
Williams deserves credit just for being back on the floor after a recent leg injury.
He had a few strong drives, but the shot wasn’t falling, and it’s fair to wonder how much the injury played a role. With Nembhard struggling, the Mavericks needed a spark from the backcourt, and Williams couldn’t quite provide it.
Still, his willingness to attack the rim showed some encouraging signs.
Final Thoughts
This one came down to the little things-and the Mavericks didn’t take care of them. They left 10 points at the free throw line (11-for-21), turned the ball over too often, and missed several makeable shots around the rim. Those missed opportunities added up, and in a tight game, that’s the difference between walking off the court with a win or a frustrating loss.
The Pelicans stayed patient, chipped away at the lead, and eventually took control in the fourth quarter. For Dallas, it’s another example of a game that was there for the taking but slipped away due to self-inflicted wounds.
There’s talent on this Mavericks roster, no question. But too often lately, they’ve found ways to lose games they should be closing out.
If you’re a fan hoping for lottery luck, these close losses might not sting as much. But if you’re looking for signs of a team building toward something bigger, games like this are tough to swallow.