P.J. Washington Jr. and Cooper Flagg each scored 21 points and combined for a crucial basket late in overtime as the Dallas Mavericks edged the Portland Trail Blazers 138-133 on Sunday at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks snapped a three-game losing streak, improving to 4-10, while Portland fell to 6-7.
With 1:39 left in overtime, Flagg grabbed a rebound from Shaedon Sharpe’s missed 3-pointer and fed Washington for a dunk, part of a 6-0 Dallas run that gave them the lead for good. Daniel Gafford added 20 points, including seven in the extra period, as seven Mavericks scored in double figures.
Sharpe led the Trail Blazers with a season-high 36 points, and Deni Avdija added 29 before fouling out on the play that set up Gafford’s free throws to put Dallas ahead 130-129. Jerami Grant scored 26 points in his first start of the season, filling in for the injured Jrue Holiday.
Dallas shot a perfect 7-of-7 from the field in overtime, all 2-pointers, to secure the victory. The Mavericks continued to navigate without Anthony Davis, who missed his ninth consecutive game with a left calf strain and will remain sidelined for at least another week.
Portland dominated the offensive glass, grabbing 22 offensive rebounds—seven by Donovan Clingan—leading to 32 second-chance points. Despite the advantage, the Trail Blazers were unable to close the gap in overtime.
The Mavericks hit 51% of their shots and 44% from three-point range, while the Trail Blazers shot 41% overall and 30% from deep. Dallas also limited turnovers, committing just 14 compared to Portland’s 20, which helped swing the close game in their favor.
Dallas will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday in the second half of a back-to-back, while Portland hosts the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
