Rebounding woes and a late scoring drought doomed the Mavericks. Klay Thompson's fiery play and Flagg's poise couldn't overcome extra possessions for Memphis.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks showed stretches of connected defense, received their most explosive shooting night of the season from Klay Thompson, and again leaned on the competitiveness of Cooper Flagg. Yet they still watched the game slip away in the final minute of a 102–96 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night, adding to an early-season trend that has become impossible to ignore.
The defeat left the Mavericks at 4–10 in clutch games, giving them four more clutch losses than any other team in the NBA.
Here are five detailed takeaways from the performance.
1. Rebounding Was the Decisive Factor
Memphis outrebounded Dallas 61–41 and grabbed 23 offensive rebounds, a season-worst figure for the Mavericks and one that repeatedly erased successful defensive possessions. The most damaging sequence came when Zach Edey tipped out a miss in the final minute, extending a possession that led directly to Santi Aldama’s go-ahead drive.
Jason Kidd was direct about the impact of the rebounding disparity.
“Having given up 23 offensive rebounds is tough. Can't win in this league if you give up that many rebounds,” Kidd said.
Brandon Williams agreed and said the issue extended beyond the frontcourt.
“We just gotta be more physical. A lot of it is on us guards coming back in and helping the bigs,” Williams said.
Dallas defended well enough to win for long stretches, but could not overcome the sheer number of extra possessions it surrendered.
2. Klay Thompson Delivered a Strong Prformance But Could Not Convert the Last Shot
Klay Thompson scored 22 points and hit six 3-pointers, providing both scoring and emotional intensity during one of the chippiest games of the season. His deep, straightaway 3-pointer with 20 seconds left could have tied the game, but it bounced off the rim.
Jason Kidd accepted responsibility for the final possession.
“For me as the coach, I take full responsibility of that last shot. We gotta get better, so I gotta draw up a better play,” Kidd said.
Thompson was also at the center of several heated moments, including exchanges with Vince Williams Jr. and Ja Morant.
“I don't like seeing that done to a rookie. That's not cool. I'll compete with you on the basketball court, but don't be dirty,” Thompson said.
Regarding Morant’s comments from the bench, Thompson did not hold back.
“It was just him running his mouth, and he's been running his mouth for a long time. It's funny to run your mouth when you're on the bench,” Thompson said.
His intensity was one of the few elements that shifted the arena’s energy, even if the final result did not reflect it.
3. Cooper Flagg Continued Showing Poise Beyond His Age
Cooper Flagg followed his 29-point outburst on Friday with 12 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block in 33 minutes. Memphis repeatedly challenged him physically, testing his strength on switches, driving directly into him, and sending multiple bodies to the glass whenever he rotated.
Jason Kidd said Flagg’s competitiveness was essential.
“I thought he brought great energy for a back-to-back and something that we needed. He was a big reason why we were in the game,” Kidd said.
Even after taking several hard hits, including a collision with Aldama that ignited one of the game’s louder reactions, Flagg remained composed and continued to compete on both ends. His maturity remains one of the brightest developments of the Mavericks’ season.
4. P.J. Washington’s Injury Significantly Changed Dallas’ Closing Rotation
Before exiting with a back injury at the 4:58 mark of the fourth quarter, P.J. Washington had 13 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, giving Dallas one of its most active defenders and most productive interior presences of the night. He was central to the Mavericks’ strong first half defensively, helping contain drives, contesting shots, and anchoring weak-side rotations.
Jason Kidd explained the situation.
“After about midway through, he got hit in the back and couldn't return,” Kidd said.
Brandon Williams said Washington’s absence was felt immediately.
“He brings a lot to our team. He was dominating the first half,” Williams said.
Without Washington, Dallas lost its best weak-side defender and one of its toughest rebounders at a time when it badly needed both.
5. The Mavericks’ Clutch Struggles Have Become a Defining Issue
Saturday’s loss added to an alarming trend. Dallas is now 4–10 in clutch games, and no other team in the league has more than six clutch losses. The Mavericks have lost multiple games this season in similar fashion: strong defense early, a mid-game rebounding collapse, a late-game scoring drought, and a rotation disrupted by injuries.
Williams said the team must confront these issues directly.
“We need to go back and watch film, get some more cleanup. Starting with offensive rebounding, us guards helping the bigs, and then executing down the stretch,” Williams said.
Klay Thompson expressed optimism despite the frustration.
“We just gotta stay together. And we’ll be healthy one day, and I'm very excited for that day, whenever that is,” Thompson said.
The Mavericks now begin a four-game road trip, starting Monday in Miami, where the margin for error will only tighten.