The Dallas Mavericks marked their return from the All-Star break with a significant win over the New Orleans Pelicans, securing the game with a score of 111-103 at the American Airlines Center. This match was particularly notable for P.J. Washington, who made his comeback after being sidelined due to injury, and Kyrie Irving, who once again showcased his scoring prowess. With this victory, the Mavericks have now won three straight games, consolidifying their position as they steer toward the playoffs.
P.J. Washington’s presence on the court was felt immediately. He entered the game having missed the last three contests prior to the All-Star break due to a sprained right ankle, yet he quickly got back to form. By halftime, Washington had already scored 20 points, demonstrating his importance to the team’s offensive strategy. His final tally for the night was 24 points, alongside seven rebounds and three assists, showcasing his versatility and capability to influence the outcome of the game.
Kyrie Irving continued to carry heavy scoring responsibilities for the Mavericks, leading all players with 35 points. He achieved this remarkable feat by shooting 11 of 22 from the field, including five three-pointers. Irving's ability to perform under pressure was apparent as he stepped up decisively during the game, hitting key shots when the Pelicans were closing the gap.
Despite the Mavericks’ victory, the game was not without its challenges. The team is still grappling with notable absences within their frontcourt. Injuries have sidelined key players such as Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Derek Lively II, and Dwight Powell. Their absence has been felt, especially against teams like the Pelicans, who have star athletes like Zion Williamson, who put up 29 points during the match. Williamson's strong performance, particularly early on, kept the game competitive as he aggressively attacked the basket, scoring efficiently.
During the first quarter, Dallas jumped out to an early lead, aided by Irving and Washington, who combined for nearly all of the team’s points. The Mavericks established their dominance, ending the quarter with a 32-22 lead. New Orleans struggled offensively to match Dallas' pace, especially as their star, Williamson, took to the bench briefly, resulting in the Pelicans scoring only eight points during the final minutes of the quarter.
Nonetheless, the second quarter saw the Pelicans regrouping, led by Williamson’s efforts to reclaim momentum. New Orleans surged back, and at one point, took the lead. The teams exchanged baskets and leads multiple times throughout the quarter, reflecting the competitive nature of the matchup. Notably, the Pelicans managed to out-rebound the Mavericks, dominating the paint with their size.
By halftime, Dallas managed to secure a narrow lead of 56-53, thanks to sharp shooting from Max Christie, who added depth to the Mavericks’ scoring effort with 16 points for the game. The second half was no different — marked by intense back-and-forth play, both teams struggled to gain control, but key moments would prove pivotal.
The Mavericks maintained their lead but were challenged repeatedly by the Pelicans. By midway through the third quarter, the Pelicans pushed back, threatening Dallas with every possession. Yet, during moments when Williamson was off the floor, Dallas capitalized, leading to slight advantages. This strategy proved successful, with Washington and Irving connecting on several key baskets.
Heading toward the fourth quarter, the Mavericks held onto their lead but only slightly, leading 86-82. The fourth quarter was characterized by clutch shooting from Irving, who nailed several three-pointers to expand their lead. Notably, with less than a minute to play, Irving sank another three-pointer to give the Mavericks enough breathing room, leading 109-99 after the Pelicans had cut the lead significantly.
The delayed response from New Orleans meant they couldn’t capitalize on earlier opportunities, allowing the Mavericks to pull away for the victory. With this win, Dallas improved to 31-26 for the season, positioning themselves favorably as they look toward the playoffs.
For the Pelicans, this loss continued their tough season, marking the 11th defeat out of their last 12 games. Looking to the future, they need to find ways to rebound, starting with their next matchup against San Antonio. Conversely, the Mavericks will head to San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors, striving to keep their winning streak alive.
Reflecting on the game, Mavericks' coach Jason Kidd had initial concerns about how the team would return after the All-Star break. Luckily for Dallas, they not only started strong but also managed to stay resilient against a persistent Pelicans team, indicating strong chemistry and determination moving forward. With Washington's return and Irving's high-level play, the Mavericks are positioning themselves as formidable contenders.