DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks continued to produce offense at a historic clip, but defensive breakdowns and a balanced San Antonio attack proved costly in a 135-123 loss to the Spurs.
Dallas extended its streak of scoring at least 100 points to 33 consecutive games, the franchise’s longest such stretch in six years. Despite the offensive consistency, the Mavericks struggled to contain San Antonio’s ball movement and interior presence, allowing the Spurs to pull away late.
The Mavericks leaned heavily on a pair of standout performances from Cooper Flagg and Naji Marshall, who each finished with 32 points. It marked just the second time this season Dallas has featured two players scoring 30 or more points in the same contest.
Flagg continued his remarkable rookie surge, delivering 32 points while adding six rebounds, four assists, two steals and three blocks. The No. 1 overall pick has now recorded at least 30 points in four straight games, placing him in rare company among rookie scorers since the NBA-ABA merger. His recent stretch has elevated him into one of the league’s most productive young players, averaging nearly 38 points over his last four outings.
Marshall matched Flagg’s offensive output with an efficient 12-of-21 shooting performance, including four made 3-pointers. The veteran wing has enjoyed a breakout scoring season, recording three 30-point performances after entering the year with just two in his career.
Dallas also received a strong interior effort from Daniel Gafford, who collected 16 points and 10 rebounds to extend his double-double streak to three games. Gafford added a defensive presence rarely seen in franchise history, combining multiple steals and blocks while anchoring the paint.
Max Christie contributed 20 points, continuing his expanded offensive role. Christie has now reached the 20-point mark eight times this season after accomplishing the feat only twice prior to the year.
The game remained tight deep into the fourth quarter, becoming Dallas’ league-leading 34th clutch contest of the season, defined by a margin of five points or fewer in the final five minutes. However, San Antonio’s execution down the stretch and overall offensive rhythm proved decisive.
The Spurs showcased their offensive cohesion by tallying 34 assists, tying one of their top marks of the season. Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio with 29 points and 11 rebounds, securing his 23rd double-double. The Spurs have thrived when their star big man dominates both ends, maintaining a strong winning percentage in games where he records a double-double.
Stephon Castle also reached a milestone, collecting his 500th career rebound as San Antonio controlled the glass and generated second-chance opportunities.
Dallas will look to regroup defensively while continuing to rely on its surging offense as the Mavericks attempt to maintain momentum during the middle stretch of the season.
