DALLAS — The Mavericks saw the new year start with another setback against Philadelphia.
Dallas fell to the 76ers on Wednesday night, dropping to 0–2 in the season series as Philadelphia rode a season-high shooting night to the win. It was just the Mavericks’ second New Year’s Day home game in franchise history.
Despite the loss, Dallas controlled several categories — a 64–58 edge in points in the paint, big advantages in bench scoring and second-chance points, and a 90 percent night at the foul line (18-of-20) for the second time this season, both against the Sixers.
Max Christie scored 18 points, matching the sixth-highest total of his career and giving him back-to-back 18+ point games for the first time. Rookie Cooper Flagg delivered another well-rounded effort with 12 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, tying Dennis Smith Jr. for the third-most 10-5-5 games by a Mavericks rookie. Brandon Williams added 14 points, seven boards and five assists.
Philadelphia’s efficiency proved decisive, shooting 53.3 percent from the field and improving to 6–1 when Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe both top 20 points.
