Flagg's crucial rebound and assist ignite a decisive overtime run, securing the Mavericks a hard-fought victory against the Trail Blazers.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks steadied themselves in the final minutes of overtime and finally found the closing punch they’d been missing, outlasting the Portland Trail Blazers 138–133 on Sunday night behind breakout performances from Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford.
Dallas, coming off a double-overtime loss the night before, hit all seven of its field goals in the extra period and leaned on a decisive 6–0 run sparked by a full-court connection between Flagg and Washington. With Dallas clinging to a 130–129 lead, Flagg grabbed a rebound over two Portland defenders, turned upcourt and fired ahead to Washington for a transition dunk that ignited the home crowd and pushed the Mavericks toward their first win in a week.
Head coach Jason Kidd said the entire overtime stretch showed a team finally learning from its recent late-game failures.
“I thought the execution going through growing pains,” Kidd said. “We took care of the ball. We had to on both ends offensively and defensively. Just understanding time and score. We come up with rebounds and we convert those rebounds.”
Flagg, who finished with 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists, erupted after halftime and repeatedly attacked gaps in Portland’s defense. He scored 19 of his 21 points after the break, including a hook shot over Deni Avdija with less than two minutes remaining in overtime.
Kidd said Flagg’s approach shifted once he started pushing the ball.
“He was aggressive in the open court,” Kidd said. “His patience is one of his strong points. He doesn’t force things as much as people want him to, and he doesn’t shoot bad shots. He plays the game the right way.”
Flagg said his late-game rhythm came from settling into reads.
“Just sticking with it,” Flagg said. “Found better spots. Teammates got me the ball in good spots.”
Washington matched Flagg with 21 points in his return from a left shoulder strain and drilled a go-ahead three in regulation with 0.5 seconds on the shot clock — a momentum-swinging moment in Dallas’ 19–8 fourth-quarter push that forced overtime.
“We swung the ball and got the right guys involved,” Washington said. “We got good shots, guys made shots, offensive rebounds, and we got stops. A good way to close a game.”
Washington, who had struggled from deep entering the night, said the breakthrough felt overdue.
“About time,” he said. “I couldn’t hit the whole season. Felt good to see a couple go in. Just trying to be aggressive and shoot with confidence.”
His mentorship of Flagg continued to show in key possessions.
“He’ll be a phenomenal player,” Washington said. “I’m trying to mentor him and give him everything I know.”
Flagg said Washington’s halftime encouragement changed his mindset.
“He told me to keep my head up,” Flagg said. “It wasn’t a great first half. He gave me confidence and told me to be aggressive.”
Gafford anchored the Mavericks throughout the night, finishing with 20 points and six rebounds and scoring seven in overtime, including the two free throws that put Dallas ahead for good after Avdija fouled out.
“I loved how we stayed calm and finished the game way better than in other close ones,” Gafford said. “We stayed together as a team. Unified throughout each possession.”
His grit was especially needed after Dereck Lively II fouled out, leaving Dallas thin in the frontcourt.
“We worked through frustration, obstacles, adversity,” Gafford said. “Whatever it took.”
Portland punished Dallas on the glass, grabbing 22 offensive rebounds and converting them into a 32–10 edge in second-chance points. Shaedon Sharpe powered the Blazers with a season-high 36 points, while Avdija added 29 before fouling out and Jerami Grant had 26 in his first start of the season.
Gafford said Dallas’ halftime discussion centered on answering Portland’s physicality.
“Everybody was flying around,” he said. “Perimeter guys crashed. Bodies everywhere. We adjusted the right way.”
Kidd said both bigs battled through foul trouble and inconsistency to impact the game.
“Dereck Lively II has been out and he’s trying to get his rhythm,” Kidd said. “Daniel Gafford did everything for us tonight with his fight.”
Flagg also pointed to the steady partnership he’s building with Brandon Williams, who added 15 points and six assists.
“Brandon Williams has been incredible,” Flagg said. “Our chemistry in the two-man game late in games has been really good.”
The Mavericks remained without Anthony Davis for a ninth straight game as he continues to recover from a left calf strain. He’s expected to remain sidelined another seven to 10 days.
Dallas improved to 4–10 and now heads to Minnesota for the second leg of a back-to-back Monday night.