In a gripping NBA tourney that delivered everything from highlight plays to late-game drama, the Dallas loners snapped their three-game losing run with a 138 – 133 overtime palm against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night.
The clash, played at the American Airlines Center, offered the kind of end-to-end pace and intensity that suckers of the loners vs Trail Blazers contest have come to anticipate.
The palm lifts Dallas to 4 – 10 on the season, while Portland, which has now dropped four of its last five, falls to 6 – 7.
Flagg and Washington Lead the Charge
Cooper Flagg and P. J. Washington were at the heart of the loners’ performance, each contributing 21 points and giving Dallas the important, demanded spark they’ve been missing over recent jaunts.
Their energy and shot-making proved pivotal as both brigades scuffled for control in what felt like a must-have palm moment for the Mavs.
Daniel Gafford enjoyed his strongest spin of the season with 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocks. Klay Thompson, meanwhile, rediscovered some confidence from beyond the arc, sinking five of his 11 attempts to finish with 19 points.
Brandon Williams added 15 points and six assists, Max Christie posted 14, and D’Angelo Russell chipped in with 12 and seven assists.
Blazers’ Stars Shine but Fall Short
Despite the loss, Portland’s top triad showed up in style. Shaedon Sharpe exploded for 36 points and six assists, Deni Avdija impressed with 29 points and strong each-around play, and Jerami Grant contributed 26 points.
Deni Avdija today highlights vs. Mavericks:
29 POINTS
7 ASSISTS
6 REBOUNDSTrail Blazers lost to Mavericks 133-138 ❌ pic.twitter.com/ttic8tFCbf
— DV highlights (@DVhighlights) November 17, 2025
Portland also set up value outside, with Donovan Clingan (16 points, 11 rebounds) and Toumani Camara (11 points, 10 boards) both finishing with double-doubles.
How Dallas Took Control in Overtime?
With the score tight and momentum shifting constantly, it was Dallas who struck at the right time. Gafford’s pair of free throws put the Mavericks ahead 130–129 with 1:39 left in overtime, a lead they protected from there.
Moments later, Washington sprinted down court to collect a pinpoint long pass from Flagg, hammering home a dunk that sent the home crowd roaring. Gafford followed with a bulldozing effort in the paint to extend the advantage.
Portland tried to respond, but Williams’ driving lay-up with under 30 seconds remaining pushed the score to 136–131, sealing what felt like a morale-boosting victory for Dallas.
Flagg’s Highlight Play Captures Attention
Flagg delivered the standout moment of the night in the third quarter. After making a clean steal, he dribbled behind his back, charged coast-to-coast, executed a smooth Euro-step, and finished through contact.
He completed the three-point play, giving Dallas a wave of momentum just when they needed it.
The 19-year-old continues to draw praise around the league, with Spurs interim coach Tiago Splitter offering warm words after the game: “Of course, (Flagg is) a very talented player, still trying to figure out the league and how to play.
It’s a tough league… There’s a lot of pressure for him, but a lot of talent and size and wingspan, all of those things that we already know. It’s just a matter of time.”
Turnovers Nearly Derail the Mavericks
Dallas made life difficult for itself early on, committing seven turnovers in the opening quarter alone. Portland capitalised, putting up 30 field-goal attempts to Dallas’ 20.
Head coach Jason Kidd didn’t hide his frustration: “We just got to hold onto the ball… If you just turn it over off the dribble or a clean catch, it leads to a lost possession, which puts you behind.”
Despite the sloppy start, Dallas trailed only 61–57 at halftime thanks in part to Thompson’s hot hand.
Shooting Efficiency Makes the Difference
Statistically, Dallas was the stronger side where it mattered. They shot 50.5% from the field and 44.1% from deep (15-of-34), while Portland struggled at 40.7% overall and just 29.8% from three.
Another major factor was ball control: after those seven early turnovers, the Mavericks coughed it up only eight more times over the rest of regulation and overtime.
Kidd emphasised that the issues are solvable: “When we watch film, we all agree these are easy things we can clean up… Energy and effort are one, and then some of the miscues that we’re having right now.”
For Dallas, this Mavericks vs Trail Blazers victory was more than just a result on the scoreboard; it felt like a step toward regaining confidence and consistency. With Minnesota up next, they’ll hope this overtime effort signals the beginning of an upward trend.
Portland, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to avoid slipping into a deeper slump.
