The Dallas Mavericks staged a dramatic late-game comeback to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 117-111 on Thursday night. A decisive 16-0 run in the final minutes sealed the win for Dallas, improving their record to 22-16 for the season.
Jaden Hardy led the Mavericks with a season-high 25 points off the bench, while P.J. Washington delivered a double-double with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Dereck Lively II recorded season highs of 21 points and 16 rebounds.
Dallas achieved the victory despite missing All-Star guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving due to injuries. The win marked the Mavericks’ second straight after enduring a season-long five-game losing streak.
Portland (13-24) was in control late, holding a 109-99 lead with just over four minutes to play. However, the Trail Blazers faltered down the stretch, missing six consecutive field-goal attempts and committing two turnovers during Dallas’ game-changing run.
Washington tied the game at 109-109 with two free throws and then drilled a three-pointer to put the Mavericks ahead with 1:58 left. Quentin Grimes added a crucial putback and converted a three-point play, securing the victory in the final minute.
Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe paced Portland with 22 points apiece. Scoot Henderson came off the bench to score 20, including a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line. Despite their efforts, the Trail Blazers failed to close out their third road game in four nights.
Dallas dominated the paint, outscoring Portland 58-38 inside and outrebounding them 53-42 overall. The Mavericks also capitalized on free throws, going 27-for-30 from the line compared to the Trail Blazers’ 17-for-20.
The Mavericks’ defensive efforts were bolstered by Lively’s presence, as the center pulled down seven offensive rebounds and recorded three blocks.
For Portland, Donovan Clingan made a strong impression off the bench with 11 points and 11 rebounds in just over 24 minutes.
Klay Thompson endured a quiet outing, managing just three points on 1-for-6 shooting in 21 minutes. However, his teammates stepped up in critical moments to secure the win.
