The San Antonio Spurs faced off against the Dallas Mavericks on March 12, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center, marking the fourth and final meeting of the regular season between these two Texas rivals. The stakes were high for both teams, as the Spurs were seeking their first win against the Mavericks this season after suffering three previous losses, including the latest game where they fell, 133-129, on March 10.
This matchup came at a tough time for both franchises, as they were dealing with significant player injuries. For the Spurs, key players including Victor Wembanyama, who is out due to deep vein thrombosis of his right shoulder, and Charles Bassey, who's nursing a bone bruise on his left knee, were absent. Other notable injuries included David Duke Jr., Harrison Ingram, and Riley Minix, all of whom were out because of their two-way contracts. Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell were listed as questionable, presenting challenges for head coach Mitch Johnson.
On the Mavericks' side, it was no easier, with ten players listed on the injury report. Significant losses included Anthony Davis, sidelined by a left adductor strain, and Kyrie Irving, who is out with an ACL tear. The Mavericks also missed Dante Exum, Daniel Gafford, Jaden Hardy, Kai Jones, Dereck Lively II, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. P.J. Washington and Brandon Williams were dealing with injuries as well, which complicated their lineup.
Despite these hurdles, the Mavericks had put on commendable performances, especially highlighted by Spencer Dinwiddie and Klay Thompson stepping up amid the turmoil. Headed to this latest encounter, Dallas was eager to maintain their momentum from the previous win against the Spurs, determined to sweep the mini-series.
The game on March 12 began with Dallas still battling for playoff positioning amid their personnel struggles. Betting odds reflected the uncertainty surrounding the matchup, with Dallas set at +6 against San Antonio with over/under at 236.5 points, according to DraftKings. Going back to the last meeting, pundits had lost confidence in the Spurs due to their inability to deliver solid performances, prompting some to suggest taking the Mavericks to cover the spread.
One intriguing tactical element was the performance of players like De'Aaron Fox and Chris Paul. Following lackluster games, both were expected to rebound strongly. Fox was predicted to score over 25 points, and Devin Vassell had odds set for 20 or more points, should he take the court. Klay Thompson, on the other hand, was anticipated to net at least 20 points, based on previous performances.
Fans going to the Frost Bank Center were optimistic, hoping to see their team finally outplay the Mavericks after falling short the past three meetings. Rising stars like Stephon Castle were particularly under scrutiny, as they needed to fill the void left by absent players. With Vassell's wrist injury and Sochan's calf contusion creating doubts about their availability, the Spurs had to rely heavily on other players to step up.
What transpired at the Frost Bank Center was both electrifying and heart-wrenching. The game started slowly, with the Mavericks struggling to find their footing as the Spurs moved with the urgency to slow down Dallas's offensive momentum. At 11:00 AM, the contest played out with erratic scoring; the complete roster shakeup left the Mavericks with slim margins but not without key contributions. The score stood at 60-61 during the second quarter, highlighting the competitive nature of the game.
Devin Vassell missed numerous key shots, including a 25-foot three-point jumper, instead watching as opponents Scott, Marshall, and Chris Paul found their groove. Paul, back on the hardwood after his brief stint out, added excitement as he hit clutch 3-pointers, assisting with key plays and keeping the Mavericks' spirits high.
With the game pressing on, notable moments unfolded. Naji Marshall made baskets with assists from Brandon Williams and Chris Paul. Meanwhile, Stephon Castle's precision shooting added to the Mavericks’ effort, showcasing their resolve against the backdrop of heavy injuries. Some moments were captured by video highlights of Harrison Barnes rising for tremendous dunks and Jeremy Sochan making impressive plays.
Fans were torn. While they deeply wanted to witness the Spurs overcome their rivals, the catalyst for their downfall was evident: the injury-plagued roster unable to gel effectively. Many questioned whether the starters could rally the squad, as the game slipped away just as it had done on multiple occasions this season.
Throughout the game, excitement and tension grew. A fervor spread across the court as both teams seemed to vie hard for any advantage. The closing moments of the second quarter saw the Mavericks maintaining narrow leads, spurred on by players like Dinwiddie who secured defensive rebounds at pivotal moments.
The March 12 game reflected the struggles and efforts from both franchises, embodying the spirit of resilience in the face of adversity. Fans and analysts alike examined teamwork and player fatigue under immense pressure. Would the Spurs shake off the doubts and deliver their first win against Dallas, or would the Mavericks once again outshine them, reaffirming their dominance this season? Only time would tell as both teams pressed on.
For the Spurs, the upcoming games would require them to find their identity amid these injuries—learning to function cohesively and building chemistry between the currently deployed players. This game against Dallas remained more than just another match; it was about the future and recalibrations for both squads as they moved forward.