DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks battled deep into the night but couldn’t finish, falling 138-131 in overtime to the Los Angeles Clippers in a high-scoring, back-and-forth contest.
It marked Dallas’ fifth overtime appearance this season — their most in a single year since 2022-23 — and another example of how often they’ve been in tight games. The Mavericks also played in their 40th clutch game, tied for the most in the NBA this season.
Despite the loss, Dallas saw strong performances across the board, led by Naji Marshall, who poured in a team-high 28 points while adding four assists and two steals. Marshall has now scored at least 25 points in three of his last four outings, continuing his late-season surge.
Rookie Cooper Flagg delivered another standout all-around performance with 18 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, along with four blocks. The near triple-double added to his growing résumé, as he recorded his 24th career game with at least 15 points, five rebounds and five assists — the second-most ever by a teenager in NBA history, trailing only LeBron James.
Flagg also notched his 11th double-double of the season and tied Jason Kidd for the second-most 15-10-5 games by a rookie in franchise history.
Fellow rookie Ryan Nembhard added 13 points, nine assists and five rebounds without committing a turnover. His efficiency placed him alongside Mavericks legends Brad Davis and Derek Harper as the only players in franchise history to post at least three games in a season with nine or more assists and zero turnovers — and he’s the only rookie to do so multiple times.
Klay Thompson provided a spark off the bench, knocking down all four of his 3-point attempts. It marked his 22nd game this season with at least four made threes, continuing his strong production in a reserve role.
Dallas showed its shooting touch early, connecting on 10 3-pointers in the first half, tying one of its best marks of the season. The Mavericks also dominated the offensive glass with 17 rebounds, creating extra opportunities throughout the night.
Marvin Bagley III contributed 17 points on an efficient 7-of-8 shooting, adding seven rebounds while surpassing 4,000 career points.
But the Clippers had answers down the stretch — and in overtime.
Darius Garland led all scorers with 41 points, knocking down eight 3-pointers and adding 10 assists for one of the best performances of his career. Kawhi Leonard continued his scoring consistency with at least 25 points for the ninth straight game, matching the longest such streak of his career.
Dallas fought to extend the game late in regulation but couldn’t keep pace in overtime as Los Angeles pulled away.
The Mavericks, now 23-48, will look to regroup as they continue navigating a season filled with close calls and late-game battles.
