The Dallas Mavericks put an end to their four-game losing streak on Saturday night, dominating the San Antonio Spurs 110-93.
Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford led the charge for the Mavericks, both scoring 22 points apiece, while the Spurs were forced to play without their star center, Victor Wembanyama. The 7-foot-3 rookie sensation, who had been a standout performer for San Antonio this season, was sidelined with a bruised right knee and is considered day-to-day after sustaining the injury in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.
Despite missing their prized rookie, the Spurs showed some fight, with Zach Collins stepping up in Wembanyama’s absence. Collins, starting in place of the injured rookie, poured in a season-high 20 points. Julian Champagnie also contributed with 13 points, all of which came in the first half, but the Spurs struggled to keep pace with a Mavericks team that was firing on all cylinders.
Dallas, fresh off a disappointing loss to Oklahoma City in their previous game, showed no signs of rust, exploiting the Spurs’ depleted lineup. Gafford, who has been a key contributor off the bench this season, set a new personal best with his 22 points. The Mavericks’ bench as a whole had one of its best performances of the season, contributing a season-high 54 points to secure the blowout victory.
Irving, who missed the previous game due to a right shoulder sprain, made a strong return to action. His 22 points were crucial in lifting the Mavericks, especially as their star, Luka Doncic, had one of his quieter games of the season. Doncic, averaging 29.3 points per game, scored just 16 points, which was one above his season-low, in a season-low 28 minutes of play. Despite his muted scoring, Doncic still contributed with six rebounds and six assists, showcasing his playmaking ability even when his shot wasn’t falling.
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The absence of Wembanyama was keenly felt, particularly inside the paint. Dallas capitalized on the hole in the Spurs’ defense, dominating the interior. Through three quarters, the Mavericks outscored San Antonio 46-22 in the paint, exploiting both Wembanyama’s absence and the Spurs’ overall lack of size. This aggressive attack, combined with a hot shooting performance, allowed the Mavericks to take control of the game early and never look back.
In the first half, the game was tightly contested, with the Spurs staying within striking distance. At the 2:57 mark in the second quarter, the game was tied at 47. That’s when Gafford made a crucial defensive play, blocking Tre Jones at the rim. Collins grabbed the rebound but had it stripped by P.J. Washington Jr., who then passed to Naji Marshall for a layup. That bucket gave the Mavericks a lead they would never relinquish, shifting the momentum firmly in their favor.
The game took a decisive turn in the third quarter, when Dallas outscored the Spurs 38-18. The Mavericks shot a blistering 59.1% from the field in the period, while the Spurs struggled, shooting just 22.7%. This offensive explosion, led by Gafford and Irving, pushed the Mavericks’ lead to an insurmountable margin, and the game was effectively decided heading into the final frame.
Dallas’ balanced offensive attack made it difficult for San Antonio to mount a comeback. While Collins and Champagnie had solid outings, the Spurs simply couldn’t find a rhythm offensively, especially without Wembanyama’s presence to space the floor. The Mavericks’ defense also played a role in the Spurs’ struggles, as they limited San Antonio’s scoring opportunities, particularly in the second half.
The Mavericks’ ability to exploit the Spurs’ lack of size and interior defense was a key factor in the game. With Wembanyama unavailable, San Antonio was forced to rely on smaller lineups, which Dallas took full advantage of by dominating inside. The Mavericks’ 38-point third quarter was a direct result of their physicality in the paint, as well as their ability to get open looks from the perimeter.
For the Spurs, the loss marks another tough stretch as they continue to miss the presence of Wembanyama, who has been the team’s centerpiece this season. While Collins and Champagnie tried to keep things competitive, the Spurs were never able to match the Mavericks’ intensity after the first half. The team will now look to regroup as they prepare for a three-game homestand, starting with an NBA Cup game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.
As for the Mavericks, the win is a much-needed confidence booster as they continue to battle for position in the Western Conference. With Irving back in the fold and Gafford stepping up in a big way, Dallas will look to carry this momentum into their next game against Oklahoma City on Sunday. While Doncic’s subdued performance was a concern, the fact that the Mavericks were able to win comfortably despite his quiet night bodes well for their depth moving forward.
Takeaways:
Mavericks: Dallas took full advantage of Wembanyama’s absence, dominating inside and outscoring the Spurs 46-22 in the paint. Kyrie Irving’s return was key, and Daniel Gafford’s career-high performance off the bench showed the Mavericks’ depth. Luka Doncic’s off-night didn’t derail the team, highlighting their ability to win in different ways.
Spurs: The loss continues a tough stretch for San Antonio, who were without their rookie phenom. Zach Collins and Julian Champagnie tried to keep the game close, but the Spurs couldn’t handle Dallas’ offensive surge, especially in the second half.
Key Stat: The Mavericks outscored the Spurs 38-18 in the third quarter, shooting 59.1% from the field while holding San Antonio to just 22.7%.
Up Next:
The Spurs return home to start a three-game homestand, beginning with an NBA Cup matchup against Oklahoma City on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will complete a back-to-back as they face the Thunder on Sunday night, hoping to extend their winning streak.