On Friday, December 12, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks edged the Brooklyn Nets 119‑111 in a game that marked the team’s first two‑game home winning streak of the season and their best run in the last six contests, winning five games in that span. The victory pushed the Mavericks’ record to 10‑16, while the Nets fell to 6‑18.
The matchup took place at the American Airlines Center, a venue that has seen the Mavericks struggle early in the season. Despite a shaky start, Dallas has been showing signs of improvement, and the win over Brooklyn reinforced that trend, especially after a 3‑16 start that left the franchise searching for momentum.
Anthony Davis led the charge for Dallas, scoring 24 points, 20 of which came in the second half, and grabbing 14 rebounds and blocking three shots. Cooper Flagg added 22 points and eight assists, while Naji Marshall chipped in 17 points, providing a balanced offensive effort that kept the Nets on their heels.
Brooklyn was powered by Michael Porter Jr., who poured in 34 points and became the first player in his seven‑year NBA career to score at least 30 points in four consecutive games. Rookie Danny Wolf contributed 17 points, 12 of them in the second half, and Nic Claxton added 14 points and ten rebounds, giving the Nets a fighting chance.
One of the decisive factors was the Mavericks’ dominance in the paint, outscoring the Nets 66‑44 in that area. Davis, who played center instead of power forward due to the absence of Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, anchored the interior defense and capitalized on the team’s strong rebounding.
Brooklyn’s shooting from beyond the arc was a bright spot, as the Nets hit a season‑best 43.6 percent, making 17 of 39 attempts. Porter was efficient from long range, going 6‑10 on threes, but Dallas’ perimeter defense limited the Nets to 28.6 percent in the fourth quarter, including only 2 of 9 from three‑point distance.
During the final period, the Mavericks outscored the Nets 29‑19. With the score tied at 110 and three minutes remaining, Dallas’ Brandon Williams grabbed a rebound that led to a second‑chance three‑pointer, followed by a floater from Davis that sealed the victory.
The game also marked the first contest after Dallas announced that Dereck Lively II would miss the remainder of the season following foot surgery. Daniel Gafford, who had missed the previous two games with a right ankle injury, was also absent, underscoring the depth challenges the Mavericks face as the season progresses.
While the Nets have found some rhythm after a tough start, their record remains 6‑18, and they will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. The Mavericks, meanwhile, will travel to face the Utah Jazz on Monday, hoping to carry the momentum from this win into the next stretch of games.
Overall, the Dallas Mavericks showcased a resilient performance, highlighted by strong interior play, efficient scoring, and clutch execution in the final minutes. The victory not only broke a losing streak but also demonstrated the team’s capacity to compete against formidable opponents, setting the stage for the challenges ahead.
Hi, I’m Cameron R. Hayes, the journalist, editor, and creator behind NewsOfFortWorth.com. I built this platform with a simple purpose — to deliver fast, clear, and trustworthy news that keeps Fort Worth informed and connected.
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