Mavericks edge Pistons 116‑114 in overtime after blowing an 18‑point third‑quarter lead. The Dallas team, led by Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis, pulled away in the final minutes of the extra period, turning a huge deficit into a hard‑fought victory. After trailing by 18 points in the third quarter, the Mavericks fought back to tie the game in regulation and forced the contest into overtime, where the momentum swung decisively in Dallas’s favor. The final score, 116‑114, reflected the intensity of the contest and the determination of the Dallas squad.
Flagg’s 23 points came on efficient shooting, and his 10 rebounds anchored the Mavericks’ frontcourt. The 19‑year‑old, who averages 25.4 points over his last eight games, was instrumental in Dallas’s comeback. His alley‑oop to Davis with 3:10 left in overtime set the tone for the final minutes. The play, executed with precision, gave Dallas a two‑point cushion that they would not relinquish. Flagg’s presence inside the paint and on the perimeter was a key factor in the team’s late‑game rally. His performance highlighted his growing role as a primary scorer for the Mavericks.
The Mavericks entered the game with an 11‑18 record, but they had won six of their last eight contests. Their recent surge had sparked hope among fans and the coaching staff, led by Jason Kidd, who was eager to see the young roster find its footing. Despite the loss of nine‑time All‑Star Kyrie Irving to a left calf contusion, the team remained focused on the present game. Kidd’s comments before the match highlighted uncertainty about Irving’s return, noting that no schedule had been set for his comeback. The team’s resilience in the face of adversity was evident in their performance.
Cade Cunningham, the East‑leading Pistons’ guard, delivered a triple double with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his third of the season. His performance helped the Pistons to a 21‑6 record, and the team has gone 6‑4 after a 15‑2 start. Jalen Duren also contributed with 17 points and 13 rebounds, providing solid support for the Pistons’ offense. The Pistons, however, struggled in the second half, and their offensive efficiency declined as the game progressed, forcing them to rely on clutch plays to keep the game within reach.
Key moments defined the game. Davis’s alley‑oop from Flagg gave Dallas a 114‑112 lead with 3:10 remaining in overtime. Cunningham’s bank shot tied the score with 1:49 left, forcing the game into the final stretch. Davis’s dunk with 1:32 left sealed the win, as the Mavericks never trailed after the overtime break. The Pistons’ attempts to regain control were thwarted by Dallas’s defensive pressure and timely scoring, with both teams exchanging leads in the closing minutes.
During overtime, Cunningham’s floater with seven seconds left missed, leaving him 2 for 7 in the extra period. Duren grabbed the rebound but missed a shot beneath the basket, and Davis secured the final rebound with 0.9 seconds left, ensuring the Mavericks’ victory. The sequence highlighted the importance of clutch plays and defensive stops in the closing moments of a tightly contested game. The final possession saw Dallas capitalizing on the Pistons’ missed opportunity to close the game.
The Pistons played without two starters for much of the night. Ausar Thompson was ejected late in the first half after disputing a foul and making contact with official John Goble, while Duncan Robinson left the game after injuring a knee early in the third period. The absence of these players disrupted the Pistons’ lineup and contributed to their inability to maintain the early lead, as the team struggled to find rhythm without their key contributors.
Cunningham received a technical foul in the final minute of the first half, and Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff was penalized as well when they were leaving the court at halftime. These technicals added to the Pistons’ challenges, as the team struggled to maintain composure in a high‑pressure environment. The penalties disrupted the flow of the game and forced the Pistons to regroup during critical moments.
Davis had missed the Mavericks’ previous game with a left calf contusion, but he shot 7 for 18 from the floor after missing his first eight shots. Detroit outscored Dallas 30‑15 on second‑chance points, securing 25 offensive rebounds. The Pistons, however, shot a season‑worst 18.2% on 3‑pointers, going 6 for 33 from beyond the arc. These statistics underscored the impact of missed opportunities for both teams, with the Pistons struggling to convert long‑range attempts and Dallas facing a sluggish start to the game.
Before the game, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said there’s still no schedule for the return of nine‑time All‑Star Kyrie Irving following ACL surgery last March. “In another month, we’ll give you an update,” Kidd said. The Pistons will host Charlotte on Saturday, while the Mavericks are slated to visit Philadelphia on Saturday, continuing their quest for momentum and hoping to build on this overtime victory.
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