The Dallas Mavericks cruised to a commanding 137-101 victory over the struggling Washington Wizards on Thursday night, led by a triple-double from Luka Doncic and a standout performance from Kyrie Irving.
Doncic delivered a stat line of 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his 78th career triple-double and tying him with Wilt Chamberlain and James Harden for seventh on the all-time list. Irving contributed 25 points, as the Mavericks extended their winning streak to six games.
The Wizards, now mired in their 16th consecutive loss, tied a franchise record for the longest losing streak and dropped to a dismal 2-18 on the season. This marks the second straight season that Washington has endured a skid of this magnitude, further underlining the challenges facing the team.
Dallas showcased an early offensive explosion, hitting 11 of its first 16 three-point attempts. By the end of the game, the Mavericks were a scorching 20-for-38 from beyond the arc, overwhelming the Wizards’ defense. The early barrage set the tone, allowing Dallas to establish a comfortable lead by halftime and cruise to victory against an overmatched Washington squad.
Malcolm Brogdon led the Wizards with 16 points in a game where the team sorely missed Kyle Kuzma and Corey Kispert, both sidelined with injuries. Kuzma was out with a left rib sprain, while Kispert nursed a left ankle sprain. The absence of these key players only exacerbated the Wizards’ struggles on both ends of the court.
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Takeaways from the Game
For the Mavericks, this game provided little resistance but showcased their ability to stay sharp and execute against a struggling opponent. The early offensive fireworks and consistent ball movement emphasized their depth and cohesion, even against weaker competition.
The Wizards, on the other hand, are facing a season rapidly spiraling out of control. Washington hasn’t tasted victory since October 30, and the road ahead doesn’t offer much reprieve. Their next four opponents — Denver, Memphis, Cleveland, and Boston — are all formidable teams with winning records.
Key Moments Define the Blowout
The game was competitive through much of the first quarter, with the Mavericks holding only a six-point lead late in the period. However, a decisive 11-2 Dallas run, fueled by a three-pointer from Spencer Dinwiddie and back-to-back treys from Klay Thompson, broke the game wide open.
Historical Perspective on the Wizards’ Struggles
According to Sportradar, the Wizards have now joined a dubious group of NBA teams with back-to-back seasons of 16-game losing streaks. The other teams to achieve this unwanted feat include the Dallas Mavericks (1992-93 and 1993-94), Los Angeles Clippers (1998-99 and 1999-2000), Charlotte Bobcats (2011-12 and 2012-13), Philadelphia 76ers (2013-14, 2014-15, and 2015-16), and San Antonio Spurs (2022-23 and 2023-24).
This loss continues to pile onto an already frustrating season for Washington, with little hope for immediate turnaround. While injuries have played a role, the Wizards’ lack of depth and defensive lapses have consistently undermined their efforts.
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks, riding high on their six-game win streak, face a quick turnaround as they head to Toronto on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the Wizards will look to end their historic skid when they host the Denver Nuggets. However, with Denver among the NBA’s elite teams, the odds are stacked heavily against Washington finding relief anytime soon.
For Luka Doncic and the Mavericks, this game was another step in solidifying their status as one of the league’s hottest teams. For the Wizards, it was yet another painful chapter in a season already filled with too many lows.