DALLAS (Interstat) — The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 113-105 on Monday night at American Airlines Center behind key performances from Cooper Flagg and Naji Marshall. A crowd of 18,632 saw the Mavericks use a strong first quarter to establish a lead they would not relinquish. Dallas led 32-23 after the opening period and maintained a steady advantage throughout. The Nets cut the deficit to single digits multiple times in the second half, but the Mavericks answered each run. Michael Porter led a balanced Brooklyn effort with a game-high scoring output. Flagg provided crucial scoring and playmaking for Dallas, while Marshall was instrumental as a secondary scorer and facilitator. The Mavericks improved to 15-25, while the Nets fell to 11-26.

DALLAS (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant opening quarter and a resilient closing act, the Dallas Mavericks held off a persistent Brooklyn Nets squad 113-105 on Monday night at American Airlines Center. A crowd of 18,632 saw the Mavericks seize control early, erupting for 32 first-quarter points behind a blistering offensive start. Dallas built a lead that reached as many as 14 points in the opening period and never trailed, though the Nets mounted multiple charges to keep the pressure on throughout. The most critical phase of the game arrived in the final three minutes with the outcome still in doubt. Leading 105-103 after a Nic Claxton alley-oop dunk for Brooklyn, Dallas executed a decisive 8-0 run to seal the victory. The sequence was fueled by their two most impactful players. Rookie forward Cooper Flagg ignited the run by stripping Brooklyn’s Michael Porter Jr. near midcourt and finishing with a runaway dunk. After a Brooklyn miss, Flagg then drained a crucial 24-foot three-pointer off an assist from Dwight Powell, pushing the lead to 112-105 with 1:32 remaining. The Mavericks’ defense locked in from there, preventing the Nets from mounting a final threat. Flagg, the highly-touted forward, led all players with a versatile performance, scoring from all three levels, facilitating with six assists, and contributing key defensive plays with two steals and a block. His backcourt partner in the closing stretch, guard Naji Marshall, provided essential secondary scoring, particularly in the second half, to help Dallas answer every Brooklyn push. The Nets, falling to 11-26, were led by forward Michael Porter Jr., who poured in a game-high scoring total but was plagued by eight turnovers, including the critical one in the final minutes. Center Nic Claxton anchored the interior for Brooklyn with a strong defensive presence that included four blocks, while reserve big man Day’Ron Sharpe provided energetic minutes off the bench. Brooklyn’s effort was typified by a strong third quarter where they outscored Dallas 32-28, cutting a 12-point halftime deficit to just four points entering the final period. Each time Dallas threatened to pull away, the Nets responded, closing to within two points on five separate occasions in the fourth quarter before the Mavericks’ final surge. Dallas, which entered as a 4-point favorite, improved to 15-25 with the win. The victory followed a similar script to the teams’ previous meeting on Dec. 12, a 119-111 Dallas win, where the Mavericks also established an early lead and withstood Brooklyn rallies. The Mavericks’ offense was efficient and balanced, with six players scoring in double figures. Veteran guard Klay Thompson provided a key spark off the bench with four three-pointers, while Max Christie and Dwight Powell provided steady contributions. The Mavericks assisted on 30 of their 41 made field goals. For Brooklyn, the loss extended a difficult stretch, marking their fourth defeat in the last five games. The Nets continue a challenging road trip Wednesday in New Orleans. Dallas, concluding a brief two-game homestand, will host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. The total points scored, 218, fell under the pregame over/under line of 222.

Preview of NBA Game: Brooklyn Nets at Dallas Mavericks DALLAS (Interstat) — Two teams seeking to halt slides in the standings will meet Monday when the Brooklyn Nets visit the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. The Nets (11-25) arrive after a 103-98 loss at Memphis on Sunday, their fifth defeat in six games. Dallas (14-25) has lost three straight, most recently a 125-107 road loss to Chicago on Saturday. In their previous meeting this season on Dec. 12, the Mavericks earned a 119-111 home victory over the Nets. A key matchup will feature Brooklyn center Day’Ron Sharpe against Dallas’s backcourt. Sharpe is coming off a 13-rebound, 3-assist performance in Memphis and has been a consistent contributor. Over his last 10 games, he is averaging 8.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists, providing versatile playmaking from the center position. For the Mavericks, guard Ryan Nembhard has seen increased opportunity. He scored a season-high 16 points and added six assists in 29 minutes against the Bulls. His playmaking will be critical for a Dallas offense that has struggled with consistency. Both teams have defensive issues to address. Brooklyn has allowed an average of 112.2 points over its last five games, while Dallas has surrendered 119.3 per game during its three-game skid. The Nets’ recent road win over Denver on Jan. 4 shows their potential, but they have followed it with four losses. Dallas has shown similar flashes, including a narrow 131-130 win over Denver on Dec. 23, but has been unable to sustain momentum. With both clubs near the bottom of their respective conferences, Monday’s game represents a chance to build positive momentum before difficult upcoming schedules. Brooklyn begins a six-game road trip after this contest, while Dallas faces a stretch with seven of its next nine at home. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CST.