How the Dallas Mavericks Made Moments of Magic in Their Win Against the Los Angeles Lakers

The Dallas Mavericks were down bad, they needed to find a way to scrape together a win and they did.

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks

Jan 7, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy (1) and Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) and Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) and Dallas Mavericks guard Quentin Grimes (5) celebrate against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at American Airlines Center.

Kevin Jairaj/Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off an impressive victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, despite missing their star duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. This win showcased the team’s depth and resilience, with several players stepping up to fill the void left by their absent superstars.

Quentin Grimes emerged as a key contributor, pouring in 23 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and dishing out 6 assists. His performance, particularly in the fourth quarter, was crucial in securing the win. Grimes’ ability to create off the dribble and make plays for others has been a pleasant surprise for the Mavericks, adding a new dimension to their offense.

The Mavericks’ success in this game can be attributed to their hot shooting from beyond the arc. The team connected on 18 of 38 three-pointers, good for an impressive 47% success rate. This sharpshooting display was instrumental in outpacing the Lakers, who struggled from deep, hitting just 31% of their attempts.

Klay Thompson provided a spark off the bench, knocking down three consecutive three-pointers late in the second quarter. This scoring burst ignited an 11-0 run that gave the Mavericks a five-point lead heading into halftime. Thompson’s ability to heat up quickly remains a valuable asset for Dallas.

Jaden Hardy also made his presence felt, particularly in the third quarter where he scored 11 of his 15 points. Hardy’s catch-and-shoot ability was on full display, as he connected on three triples in quick succession. This offensive outburst helped the Mavericks build a 16-point lead and maintain control of the game.

P.J. Washington continued his steady play, contributing 22 points and 8 rebounds. His versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor have made him an integral part of the Mavericks’ rotation.

While Dereck Lively II struggled with foul trouble, his development remains a bright spot for the Mavericks. The young center showed flashes of his potential, particularly in his ability to switch onto perimeter players and hold his own defensively.

For more insights and a deeper dive into the Mavericks’ impressive win over the Lakers, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.

Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Mavericks Podcast:

• Luka Doncic’s pregame appearance and injury update

• Kyrie Irving’s back injury and potential return timeline

• Jason Kidd’s coaching decisions and rotations

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