The Brooklyn Nets came away empty-handed once more on Friday night, falling 119–111 to the Dallas Mavericks, after a fourth-quarter collapse undid three quarters of competitive basketball.
For long stretches, the Nets looked capable of stealing a road win. They defended well, moved the ball with purpose and leaned heavily on another outstanding scoring night from Michael Porter Jr., but when the game entered its decisive phase, Brooklyn ran out of answers while Dallas kept their composure.
The result leaves the Nets at 6–18 for the season, a record that continues to reflect a team caught between rebuilding and competing.
How Did the Game Change in the Fourth Quarter?
The turning point came not through one dramatic moment, but through a slow loss of control.
Brooklyn entered the final quarter holding a 92–90 lead, but their offence quickly stalled. Open shots stopped falling, ball movement slowed, and possessions ended without pressure on the Dallas defence.
The Nets scored just 19 points in the final 12 minutes, compared to 29 by the Mavericks. Dallas sensed the shift and took advantage. A short scoring burst midway through the quarter put the Mavericks ahead, and Brooklyn never recovered.
In simple terms, the Nets froze when the game demanded calm decision-making.
Michael Porter Jr. Shines Again, But Lacks Support
Porter Jr. was Brooklyn’s most reliable player throughout the night, finishing with 34 points on efficient shooting. He looked confident from the perimeter, aggressive when driving to the basket, and unfazed by defensive pressure.
This performance marked his fourth straight game scoring more than 33 points, a run matched by only a handful of stars in the franchise’s history.
Since injuries disrupted the Nets’ backcourt earlier in the season, Porter Jr. has carried the scoring responsibility and delivered consistently. The problem, once again, was that he was largely alone.
Why Was There Not Enough Support Late On?
Brooklyn did receive contributions elsewhere, but not when the game was on the line.
Rookie Danny Wolf impressed off the bench with confident shooting and energy, while Nic Claxton provided his usual presence around the rim.
However, when Dallas tightened their defence in the fourth quarter, Brooklyn struggled to create good looks beyond their main scorer.
When Porter Jr. was double-teamed, there was no clear alternative option. That lack of balance allowed Dallas to focus their defence and force rushed shots.
How Did Dallas Win This Without Dominating Early?
The Mavericks did not overwhelm Brooklyn early in the game. Instead, they stayed patient and trusted their structure.
Anthony Davis became more influential after halftime, controlling the paint and setting the tone defensively. His presence discouraged drives and forced Brooklyn into tougher shots from outside.
Meanwhile, rookie Cooper Flagg continued to show maturity beyond his years. He made smart decisions, found teammates in good positions, and picked his moments to score.
In the closing minutes, he looked calm while the Nets looked hurried. That contrast in decision-making proved decisive.
What Do the Numbers Say About the Loss?
The statistics underline a familiar issue for Brooklyn. Their shooting percentage dropped sharply in the final quarter, while Dallas improved its.
Turnovers also played a role, with the Nets giving the ball away more often during key moments. Put simply, Dallas used their possessions better when it mattered most.
Nets vs Mavericks
| Area | Brooklyn Nets | Dallas Mavericks |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 111 | 119 |
| Fourth-Quarter Points | 19 | 29 |
| Shooting in Q4 | 28% | 52% |
| Turnovers | 14 | 9 |
VICTORYYYYYYY
DALLAS MAVERICKS 119-111 BROOKLYN NETS
Cooper a été bien chaud en 1ère MT, AD en 2ème période : ils ont assuré
5ème victoire lors des 6 derniers matchs
Bilan : 10-16#MFFL pic.twitter.com/mVobOHMOt0
— Dallas Mavs France (@DallasMavsFr) December 13, 2025
Many praised Porter Jr.’s continued scoring run, calling him one of the few consistent positives this season. Others pointed out that this was far from an isolated incident, noting that late-game struggles have become a worrying pattern.
There was also cautious optimism around younger players, with fans acknowledging effort and development, even if results remain disappointing.
What does this mean for the Nets?
This defeat keeps Brooklyn firmly near the bottom of the standings and in the NBA draft lottery picture. While a rebuilding season brings long-term opportunities, repeated late collapses are difficult to ignore.
The Nets have shown they can compete for long periods, but until they solve their fourth-quarter problems, close games are likely to keep slipping away.
The challenge now is turning strong individual performances into team wins.
Are the Mavericks Building Something Positive?
For Dallas, this was a sign of progress. They have now won five of their last six games, and their ability to close out tight contests is improving.
The growing understanding between Davis and Flagg is giving the team balance at both ends of the floor. If that trend continues, the Mavericks look capable of pushing for a playoff place as the season develops.
The Brooklyn Nets vs. Dallas Mavericks matchup was decided less by talent than by control. Brooklyn showed effort, resilience and individual quality. Dallas showed calm, structure and better judgment when the game tightened.
Until the Nets learn to manage those moments, performances like this may continue to end the same way, with questions asked long after the final buzzer.
