In a showcase of resilience and depth, Kyrie Irving led the Dallas Mavericks to a commanding 129-114 victory over the New York Knicks.
Irving’s 23 points, paired with an impressive supporting cast effort, propelled Dallas to a 4-1 record in games without Luka Doncic this season.
Jalen Brunson starred for the Knicks with a season-high-tying 37 points in his second return to Dallas since joining New York. Despite his stellar play, the Knicks fell short as Dallas delivered a balanced offensive display, overcoming the absence of multiple key players, including Doncic, Klay Thompson, and Daniel Gafford.
Mavericks Flex Depth in Key Win
Dallas found its rhythm early, riding Irving’s playmaking and timely scoring from Naji Marshall, who contributed 24 points, and Spencer Dinwiddie, who added 21. P.J. Washington anchored the interior with 19 points and 10 rebounds, solidifying the Mavericks’ dominance on both ends of the floor.
Without Doncic, who sat out his fourth consecutive game with a sprained right wrist, the Mavericks showcased their ability to adapt and thrive, a promising sign for the defending Western Conference champions.
Knicks Struggle Despite Brunson’s Effort
Jalen Brunson kept New York competitive, scoring efficiently and creating opportunities, but the Knicks struggled to find consistency elsewhere. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a double-double with 25 points and 14 rebounds, but OG Anunoby had a rough night, managing just eight points on 3-of-15 shooting following his career-high 40-point performance two nights earlier.
New York’s offense sputtered early, posting a season-low 15 points in the first quarter. The slow start set the tone for a game where the Knicks struggled to keep pace with Dallas’ balanced attack.
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Key Moment: Mavericks Pull Away
Dallas broke the game open in the second quarter, capitalizing on New York’s scoring droughts. Irving orchestrated the offense with poise, hitting timely shots and setting up teammates for open looks. The Mavericks extended their lead to double digits before halftime and never relinquished control.
The energy in the arena spiked early when NFL legend Tom Brady made a courtside appearance, adding to the excitement of the marquee matchup.
Takeaways: Mavericks Show Grit
- Team Effort Shines: The Mavericks’ depth was on full display, with multiple players stepping up in Doncic’s absence. Irving’s leadership and Washington’s interior presence were pivotal.
- Resilient Defense: Dallas limited New York to 15 points in the first quarter, setting the tone with disciplined rotations and physicality in the paint.
Takeaways: Knicks Face Questions
- Towns Finds Rhythm Late: Karl-Anthony Towns showed flashes of his star potential but was unable to carry the Knicks over the hump. His shooting woes through three games against Dallas in the playoffs last season seem to linger.
- Inconsistent Supporting Cast: Beyond Brunson and Towns, the Knicks struggled to find reliable scoring. Anunoby’s off night was particularly glaring.
Key Stat: First-Quarter Dominance
The Mavericks held the Knicks to just 15 points in the opening quarter, the lowest for New York this season. The strong defensive start set the foundation for Dallas’ wire-to-wire victory.
Up Next
The Knicks head to Charlotte on Friday to face the Hornets, looking to bounce back after their third loss in five games. The Mavericks, meanwhile, will visit the Utah Jazz on Saturday as they aim to extend their momentum and continue proving their depth without Doncic.
With key contributors stepping up and Irving leading the charge, Dallas appears poised to remain a threat in the West, even in the face of adversity.
