Flagg scores 12 points as Mavericks end losing streak
WASHINGTON — Naji Marshall led Dallas with a season-best 30 points, while P.J. Washington added several key buckets late, helping the Dallas Mavericks defeat the Washington Wizards 111–105 on Saturday night.
The Mavericks (3–7) snapped a four-game skid, earning their first road victory of the season. Newport’s Cooper Flagg contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists in the win.
Washington dropped its eighth consecutive game, falling to 1–9. CJ McCollum tallied 25 points but managed only two in the second half, while Cam Whitmore added a season-high 19 points.
The Wizards’ only win this season came on October 24, when they beat Dallas 117–107.
P.J. Washington, who finished with 15 points, sank two free throws to reclaim a 102–101 Mavericks lead with 4:36 remaining. He followed with two baskets and additional free throws to help close out the victory.
Dallas played without Anthony Davis, sidelined for a fifth straight game due to a strained left calf, and Klay Thompson, who missed the matchup because of illness.
The Mavericks opened strong, scoring 19 unanswered points and holding Washington scoreless for over five minutes to take a 28–16 lead late in the first quarter. The Wizards rallied, and Alex Sarr’s follow shot midway through the third period gave Washington its first lead since the opening minutes at 72–71. Whitmore scored 11 during the third, and the Wizards entered the fourth ahead 86–82 before Dallas pulled away.
Author’s Summary:
Dallas halted a four-game losing streak with balanced play from Flagg and a strong finish from Marshall and Washington, overcoming Washington’s brief third-quarter surge for a needed road win.