DALLAS -- Kyrie Irving scored 18 of his 25 points in the second half and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 103-96 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night. The win marks another step forward for the Mavericks as they navigate the competitive Western Conference and eye the playoffs.
Moses Brown, making his first start for the Mavericks during his penultimate game on a 10-day contract, added 20 points and 11 rebounds. His performance was pivotal as he showcased his scoring ability and presence on the boards, contributing significantly to Dallas's success.
Mark Williams shone for the Hornets, scoring 26 points and securing 16 rebounds, but his efforts weren't enough to break the losing streak. The Charlotte team has now lost five consecutive games and 16 of their last 19, leaving them struggling to find consistency.
Meanwhile, Miles Bridges also had a solid outing, finishing the game with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Despite their individual contributions, the Hornets were hindered by their injuries, including the absence of LaMelo Ball, who did not participate due to ankle issues. Ball leads the team both in scoring and assists, and without him, Charlotte has faltered significantly, falling to 1-21 without him on the court.
The game had its tight moments, particularly late, when both teams were jostling for control. Dallas led by just three points when Irving missed a 3-pointer with 1:52 left on the clock but quickly recovered as he tipped the ball to Klay Thompson, whose corner three extended the lead to 97-91. This defined the closing stages, as Irving’s presence became undeniable when he hit eight of his final 11 shot attempts.
Brown’s contribution cannot be overstated; it marked his highest-scoring performance since tallying 24 points with Oklahoma City during the last game of the 2020-21 season. His presence on both ends of the floor was marked by timely rebounds and scoring, enhancing the Mavericks' overall dynamic. Especially through the second half, the Mavericks managed to leverage their offensive skills, showing resilience amid the pressure.
For the Hornets, partisan fans were left disheartened as their team’s struggles continued, particularly with the long road trip taking its toll. Charlotte went 1-8 through their recent stretch, matching the franchise record for consecutive road games without much success. The loss against Dallas adds to their woes, with the team grappling to find its footing after the All-Star break.
The Mavericks' current standing is 32-28, positioning them ninth in the Western Conference, just one game shy of the sixth spot, which would guarantee them playoff inclusion. They are well aware of the stakes, and every game holds weight as the regular season heads down the stretch.
Looking ahead, the Hornets will attempt to reverse their fortunes when they begin a five-game homestand against the Washington Wizards this Saturday. Conversely, the Mavericks will host the Milwaukee Bucks, another significant matchup as they chase playoff elevation. The coming matches are pivotal—showcasing the drive both teams will outline as they battle through the last stretch of the season.
Overall, this outing encapsulated the highs and lows of the NBA season—players stepping up, injuries creating challenges, and the ever-present pressure of earning wins to secure playoff positions.