In a thrilling showdown on Monday night, the Brooklyn Nets pulled off a remarkable come-from-behind victory against the Dallas Mavericks, winning 113-109 at the American Airlines Center. This win marks the Nets' first winning streak in nearly two months, having not won back-to-back games since early February.
The Nets, who have battled through a challenging season, found themselves trailing by as many as 10 points in the fourth quarter. With just 1:17 left on the clock, they were down 107-105, but a resilient effort saw them outscore the Mavericks 8-2 in the closing moments. “It was good to see because, being down 10, sometimes you get discouraged,” said Nets coach Jordi Fernández. “And our guys just kept fighting.”
Before a sellout crowd of 19,790, the Nets showcased their determination, overcoming a game that featured 19 lead changes and 16 ties. Keon Johnson led the charge for Brooklyn with a game-high 24 points, while D’Angelo Russell contributed 18 points and 11 assists, including a crucial three-point play that put the Nets ahead for good.
Despite missing key players Cam Johnson and Cam Thomas, the Nets demonstrated depth and resilience. After allowing a 10-0 run that spanned the third and fourth quarters, they found themselves down 98-88 with just over seven minutes remaining. However, they quickly turned the tide, scoring 12 unanswered points to regain the lead.
As the game reached its climax, D’Angelo Russell delivered a pivotal and-one play that shifted the momentum. Following a defensive stand that forced Anthony Davis to miss a shot, Nic Claxton converted another and-one opportunity to extend the Nets' lead to 111-107 with just 47.6 seconds left. Jalen Wilson later sealed the victory at the free-throw line, showcasing the Nets' grit in the final moments.
The Mavericks, who were without star players Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II, struggled to maintain their momentum from previous games. Coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the team's low energy, particularly after a long road trip. “Good looks, wide-open looks,” Kidd said regarding the Nets' shooting. “They knocked them down. We got to be better.” The Mavericks missed 12 free throws during the game, a critical factor in their loss.
Daniel Gafford made a notable return for the Mavericks after missing 21 games due to a knee injury. He led the team with 17 points and seven rebounds, but it wasn't enough to secure a win. Gafford's pairing with Anthony Davis, who added 12 points and seven rebounds, showed promise but ultimately fell short against the Nets' offensive firepower.
The Mavericks started strong, leading 29-25 after the first quarter and holding a 63-58 advantage at halftime. However, the Nets' hot shooting from beyond the arc proved to be their undoing. Brooklyn made 20 three-pointers on 51 attempts, capitalizing on the Mavericks' defensive lapses.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Nets continued to press, and the game became a back-and-forth battle. With the score tight at 108-107 and only 1:16 left, Russell's three-point play shifted the momentum decisively in Brooklyn's favor. The Mavericks had opportunities to regain control, but missed crucial shots, including a late three-pointer from Klay Thompson that could have tied the game.
Despite Dallas's efforts to dominate the paint, winning that battle 56-36 and outrebounding the Nets 49-40, their inability to contain Brooklyn's perimeter shooting ultimately cost them the game. The Mavericks now sit at 37-39, struggling to secure a play-in tournament spot as they contend with Sacramento and Phoenix for the final spots.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will face the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, hoping to bounce back from this disappointing loss. Meanwhile, the Nets will begin a four-game homestand against the Minnesota Timberwolves, aiming to build on their newfound momentum.
As the season winds down, both teams are navigating their respective challenges, with the Nets looking to finish strong and the Mavericks striving to secure their playoff position. The excitement of the NBA continues to unfold, with every game holding significant implications for the teams involved.
