Stats Rundown: 3 Numbers To Know As The Mavericks Drop 112-111 Heartbreaker At The San Antonio Spurs

The Dallas Mavericks (4-4) fell to the San Antonio Spurs (6-2), 112-111, in a nationally televised matchup on the road on Wednesday. The two squads met for the second time, and it came after the Mavericks’ 115-100 blunder against the Sacramento Kings on Monday. The matchup went down to the wire after the Mavericks were able to turn around a 19-point deficit.

Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberovic, Max Christie, Sergio de Larrea, and Dereck Lively were out for the Mavericks. Tobias Harris was out for the Spurs.

Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 29 points in the loss. PJ Washington added 21 points and 10 rebounds. Victor Wembanyama had an otherworldly 52 points, 24 rebounds, eight blocks, and two steals.

Here are three numbers to know from Wednesday night’s clutch loss.

43: Combined scoring from PJ Washington and Naji Marshall

PJ Washington and Naji Marshall left their mark on the game, finishing with a combined 43 points. Washington finished with 21 points and added 10 rebounds, including four offensive boards. He has been the Mavericks’ best rebounder through the start of the season and was a boost to the Mavericks on the glass despite the team losing the rebounding battle to the Spurs.

Marshall contributed 22 points, with 17 of them coming in the second half as the Mavericks closed the gap on their 19-point deficit to the Spurs. It was a bounce-back game for him after a performance to forget in Monday night’s loss, after returning from an illness. The Mavericks needed role players to step up as Cooper Flagg struggled early, and the forward pairing was able to answer the call to keep the Mavericks competitive despite the loss.

29: Kyrie Irving points

Kyrie Irving finished with 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. 17 of his points came in the first half, keeping the Mavericks within reach of the game when Cooper Flagg struggled early. The Mavericks rested Irving Monday night due to knee injury management to have him ready for the matchup with San Antonio, and his early scoring was key to the Mavericks staying within reach of the game. Though his shots didn’t fall late, Kyrie Irving is critical to the Mavericks’ offense, allowing them to compete with some of the league’s best on any given night.

1-of-11: Cooper Flagg first half shooting

Cooper Flagg’s Monday night struggles flowed into Wednesday night’s performance. He started the game 1-of-11 in the first half, with a questionable shot diet that only worsened his offensive struggles early. He came into the second half looking like the Cooper Flagg we know and love, and finished the second half six-of-eight. The Mavericks need Flagg to continue to play with the aggression he showed in the second half. His ability to shake off his early performance proves that he has the ability to be a star in the league. When Flagg got going, the Mavericks were able to dig themselves out of the hole they were in and have a fighting chance.

Up next

The Mavericks return home to host the Utah Jazz on Friday night as NBA Cup Group Play continues. Catch the action at 7 p.m. CT on KFAA and MavsTV.