Flagg ignites a second-half rally, showcasing newfound chemistry and clutch decision-making in a thrilling overtime victory.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks needed every possession of overtime to outlast the Portland Trail Blazers 138–133 on Sunday night, closing out one of their most composed finishes of the season and snapping a three-game losing streak. Dallas trailed by 12 before rallying behind a 19–8 fourth-quarter surge, highlighted by P.J. Washington’s contested 3-pointer with 0.5 seconds left on the shot clock to give the Mavericks a brief late lead.
Portland forced overtime behind Shaedon Sharpe’s season-high 36 points, but Dallas answered by shooting 7-for-7 in the extra period and delivering a decisive 6–0 run. Cooper Flagg ignited that stretch by securing a defensive rebound and firing a full-court outlet to Washington for a go-ahead dunk with 1:39 remaining. On the next possession, Daniel Gafford sank two free throws after drawing a foul on Deni Avdija, giving the Mavericks a lead they would not surrender.
Seven Mavericks scored in double figures — Flagg (21), Washington (21), Gafford (20), Klay Thompson (19), Brandon Williams (15), Max Christie (14) and D’Angelo Russell (12) — marking just the second time this season Dallas reached that benchmark. The win improved the Mavericks to 8–2 in their last 10 meetings with Portland.
With Anthony Davis missing his ninth straight game due to a left calf strain, Dallas leaned on its young core and late-game execution to secure a much-needed victory — improving to 4–10 on the season and 3–8 in clutch situations.
Here are five takeaways from the win.
1. Cooper Flagg Responded to Halftime Frustration and Grew With Brandon Williams
Cooper Flagg has averaged 15.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 14 games this season, and he delivered a breakthrough performance when Dallas needed it most. Nineteen of his 21 points came in the second half, and he became just the third 18-year-old in NBA history to record a 20-5-5 game.
Flagg’s turnaround began with a halftime conversation from veteran center Daniel Gafford, who saw frustration building after a slow start.
“He was frustrated at halftime,” Gafford said. “I told him to slow down — it’ll come to him. Sometimes the game finds its way to you.”
Flagg said the talk allowed him to reset before the second half.
“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.”
Part of that response came through his developing chemistry with Brandon Williams, who has averaged 10.6 points, 3.3 assists and 2.4 rebounds across 12 games and has elevated his production as a starter to 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.8 steals in 28.8 minutes.
“Brandon Williams has been incredible,” Flagg said. “High energy, so quick, uses his speed to get downhill and find guys. Our chemistry in the two-man game late in games has been really good.”
Jason Kidd said the pairing is becoming a strategic priority.
“The pick-and-roll with him and Cooper Flagg at the end is something we need to look at more,” Kidd said. “He was aggressive in the open court. He got out in the open court a little more in the second half. He’s seeing a lot of defenders. 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.”
2. P.J. Washington Broke Out of His Slump With Timely Shooting
P.J. Washington has averaged 15.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 13 games this season while shooting 30.4% from three. On Sunday, he delivered his best shooting performance of the year, hitting a season-high five 3-pointers and finishing with 21 points.
He said the breakthrough felt overdue.
“About time,” Washington 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. I’ve worked on it. I’ll be better from there.”
Jason Kidd said Washington settled into the game after some early miscues.
“Defensively, sometimes you’re out with an injury and you’re trying to get your rhythm back,” Kidd said. “He had some turnovers early, but he settled down, made some big shots, and took the challenge of guarding their best offensive player.”
Washington also discussed his growing role helping guide Flagg through late-game reads.
“Really well,” Washington said. “Trying to read how guys play him and give him an overlook of who he’s guarding — strengths, weaknesses, where to force them. He’s adjusting. He’ll be a phenomenal player. I’m trying to mentor him and give him everything I know.”
3. Daniel Gafford Anchored the Interior and Closed Strong in Overtime
Daniel Gafford delivered his strongest game of the season, finishing with 20 points, six rebounds and three blocks while scoring seven points in overtime to help Dallas secure the win.
He said composure was the reason Dallas finally closed out a tight game.
“I loved how we stayed calm and finished the game way better than in other close ones,” Gafford said. “Taking care of the ball, executing down the stretch. We had some lapses, but we learned from them on the fly and used that on the next possession. We stayed together as a team. We were unified throughout each possession.”
Gafford said he continues to play through ankle discomfort.
“Yeah. It’s not the best,” Gafford said. “But I’m an Arkansas boy. We put it in mud, come back the next day, clean it off, rub some dirt on it, and we’re good.”
Kidd praised Gafford’s resolve and impact inside.
“Dereck Lively II has been out and he’s trying to get his rhythm,” Kidd said. “His energy was good. Daniel Gafford did everything for us tonight with his fight. With minute restrictions it’s tough to get a rhythm, but they don’t complain. They play the game the right way and try to help the team win. Daniel’s second half was really good. He spoke up at halftime that he wasn’t going to let those offensive rebounds happen again.”
4. Klay Thompson’s Shooting Gravity Opened the Floor for Dallas
Klay Thompson has averaged 9.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 13 games this season, but over his last three games he has produced 17.0 points per game. He continued his momentum with 19 points and five 3-pointers, bending Portland’s defense with his movement and shot-making.
Daniel Gafford said Thompson’s gravity shifted the defensive priorities.
“Getting him off a lot of off-ball screening,” Gafford said. “Teams overplay him because of his gravity. It opens opportunities for everybody else. When he hits shots, it’s good for us. When he makes plays out of it, that’s good too. One of the best shooters in the world — you have to get the ball in his hands.”
Kidd echoed that Thompson’s game extends well beyond the box score.
“Looking for him and setting screens,” Kidd said. “Playing dribble handoffs, turning them down. The trust he has to come back and get it. You can see the relationship with the bigs and the guys setting screens for him. We have to keep leaning into it because he’s playing at a high level.”
Washington said Thompson’s presence creates immediate advantages.
“He’s being himself,” Washington said. “We need him to keep doing what he’s doing. He has so much gravity. Putting him in actions makes defenses react and opens everything up.”
5. Dallas Showed Improved Poise and Rebounding in High-Pressure Moments
Portland dominated the offensive glass with 22 offensive rebounds and 32 second-chance points. But Dallas improved its physicality and organization late, particularly after emphasizing rebounding at halftime.
Gafford said the shift required full-team engagement.
“Everybody was flying around,” Gafford said. “It wasn’t just the bigs. Perimeter players were crashing. Bodies everywhere going after rebounds. We adjusted the right way. We gave up more offensive rebounds than we wanted, but when it mattered, we took it away.”
Washington said Dallas regained control by slowing the game down.
“We settled down and tried to make the right play,” Washington said. “We were playing too fast. We addressed it and made a change. It worked well the rest of the game.”
Kidd said the Mavericks executed under pressure in ways they had not during earlier losses.
“I thought the execution going through growing pains,” Kidd said. “We come up with rebounds and we convert those rebounds.”
Dallas remains 4–10, but Sunday’s overtime finish — with Flagg’s composure, Washington’s shooting, Gafford’s force and Thompson’s gravity — offered the clearest signs yet of a team starting to stabilize.