News Mavericks Team Notes

[Dallas Mavericks]

MMBets — Mavericks vs. Hornets: Rookie Bowl

Dallas gets dropped straight into the deep end after the weather-forced pause, hosting Charlotte on a night where both teams are on the second leg of a back-to-back. The Hornets arrive with a lot of January buzz and a shiny offensive profile, while the Mavericks quietly sit in a familiar role: short home dog, still not fully trusted by the market.

Let’s scan the lines in search of value.

Fixture:
Charlotte Hornets (20–28, 11–15 Away)
@ Dallas Mavericks (19–28, 14–13 Home)
American Airlines Center — Dallas, TX
7:30 PM CST, January 29, 2026
KFAA-TV / NBA App

DraftKings Odds (as of 2:30 AM CST):
Spread: Hornets -4.5 (-102) | Mavericks +4.5 (-118)
Total: 227.5 (O -115 / U -105)
Moneyline: Hornets -166 | Mavericks +140

Game Side Pick: Mavericks +4.5

Charlotte’s been the league’s January darling — hot from deep, elite in net rating, and finally playing with the kind of rhythm that moves markets. On paper, they’ve earned their favorite tag.

But tonight’s context reshuffles things. Dallas had key players sit versus Minnesota, giving them fresher legs than a normal back-to-back team, and they’ve quietly led the league in opponent three-point percentage this season. That strength shows up exactly where Charlotte wants to live — on the perimeter, in rhythm, with space.

Player Props:

Max Christie Over 2.5 Three-Pointers Made (-129)

Charlotte’s defensive attention is likely to tilt toward the primary creators, which keeps Christie in the flow as a release valve on the perimeter. In a matchup that projects toward pace and scoring, this number feels a touch light for a shooter who sports a green light along with Klay Thompson. Coming off a down game, we get a bit of value here.

Moussa Diabate Over 9.5 Points (-108)

Front-court players usually have nice nights facing a decimated Mavs front court. That should hold true here.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...ericks-vs-hornets-rookie-bowl-and-trade-smoke

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Mavericks vs Hornets Preview and Injury Update: Cooper vs Kon

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 11: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets during a pre-season game on October 11, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks (19-28) host the Charlotte Hornets (20-28) on Thursday night. Dallas is playing the second night of a back-to-back, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. The Hornets have won 4 in a row and look great as they try to surge up the standings. It’s a fun night for the Mavericks as they retire the jersey of 1981 number overall pick Mark Aguirre, a much overdue event.

Heres the main things you need to know before tipoff.

• WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Charlotte Hornets
• WHAT: Retiring Mark Aguirre’s jersey
• WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
• WHEN: 7:30 pm CST
• HOW: KFAA Channel 29, MavsTV streaming, NBA League Pass

Both Cooper Flagg and Klay Thompson are playing tonight after missing the last game with variations on injury management. Brandon Williams is questionable with an ankle injury. Naji Marshall is getting the game off after not missing a game all season. Moussa Cisse is questionable as well. Grant Williams and Mason Plumlee are missing this game for the Hornets. Brandon Miller is listed as probable with a left ankle injury.

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Expect a charged game for the Mavericks. Dirk Nowitzki’s expected to be in the building along with Isaiah Thomas to see Aguirre’s jersey retired. It’s going to be an emotional thing for Aguirre. As for the game itself, I think Flagg and Kon go at it in a major way. The Charlotte Hornets are playing much better ball as of late and Dallas might be heading the opposite direction. Institutionally, the Mavericks are tanking, but do not tell the players that. It should be a much better game than the Wolves game where Dallas loooked nearly listless.

Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start LATE. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...art-time-tv-stream-injury-report-how-to-watch

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Player Grades: Recapping the Mavericks 123-121 loss to the Charlotte Hornets

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 29: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks and Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets talk after the game at American Airlines Center on January 29, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In a game that was billed as a historic clash between two rookie sensations, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel both delivered in a back and forth game that Dallas lost 123-121.

Flagg poured in a historic 49 point game, while Knueppel exploded for 34, including the game winning free throws.

To the grades!

Cooper Flagg: A+​

49 PTS / 10 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK – 38 MIN​

When the Mavericks drafted Cooper Flagg, it singlehandedly saved the franchise, and so far he has far exceeded every single lofty expectation.

His defense, passing, and IQ were to be expected, but this kind of scoring output was seen as an eventual ceiling, not an immediate skill. Many draft analysts even questioned if he could ever be a number one option.

Scoring at this level at his age has never been seen before, as he became the first teenager to ever score more than 45 points in a game, something even Lebron could not accomplish.

While this season has been tough to get through, games like this are why we tune in every single night, because you never know when Cooper Flagg will make history.

P.J. Washington: D-​

14 PTS / 9 REB / 3 AST / 1 STL / 2 BLK – 35 MIN​

P.J. Washington has not been good this year, and when the Mavericks have needed him, he has come up short.

While his box score numbers aren’t bad, his efficiency was terrible, and he frequently hijacked possessions with ill-advised drives.

If P.J. continues this kind of play, the Mavericks have to seek out trade suitors for Washington.

Daniel Gafford: C​

5 PTS / 4 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 25 MIN​

It is not a hot take to say that Daniel Gafford is currently the worst center on the Mavericks roster.

Now, whether it due to injury, or a lack of Luka lobs, Gafford has simply been bad for most of this season. His usual effort and energy has not been felt, and his automatic shot making around the rim has abandoned him.

Until he can get fully healthy, the Mavericks should continue to give more minutes to both Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell.

Caleb Martin: B​

6 PTS / 11 REB / 2 AST / 1 STL / 2 BLK – 27 MIN​

Perhaps the most shocking turnaround this season has been Caleb Martin, who has become a valuable role player for this team.

This game in particular showcased his defensive value, as he contributed 3 STOCKS, and was flying around all game long.

If the Mavericks choose to move off of some of their wing depth at the trade deadline, Martin seems poised to take on a larger role.

Max Christie: C​

13 PTS/ 3 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK – 29 MIN​

The Cormac caravan has unfortunately ground to a halt due to Christie’s recent cold stretch.

The Mavericks desperately missed his shooting in this game, as he went only 1-7. This type of shooting from Christie usually spells doom for their chances, as there isn’t going to be shooting from many others on the roster.

Hopefully Christie can break out of his slump, because the Mavericks cannot survive without him.

Klay Thompson: B-​

16 PTS / 3 REB / 1 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 27 MIN​

With the trade deadline 1 week away, we may be approaching the final games for Klay Thompson in a Maverick uniform.

Klay was solid in this game, but his defense on Kon Knueppel left much to be desired, as the rookie sniper had plenty of success generating space.

If Klay does get traded, I have no doubt that he can still provide a spark of scoring off the bench.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...316/player-grades-recapping-mavericks-hornets

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Cooper Flagg just played one of the best basketball games by an NBA rookie, ever

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 29: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks makes a move to the basket against Moussa Diabate #14 of the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on January 29, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Only eight NBA rookies have ever scored more points in a game than Cooper Flagg did in the Dallas Mavericks’ (19-29) heartbreaking 123-121 loss to the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on Thursday.

Wilt Chamberlain scored 52 or more points five times in his rookie season of 1959-60 and owns the single-game rookie scoring record of 58 points, which came against the New York Knicks on Feb. 21, 1960. Five years later, Rick Barry scored 57 points as a rookie, also against the Knicks. Earl “The Pearl” Monroe scored 56 as a rookie in 1968 against the Los Angeles Lakers, and Milwaukee Bucks’ rookie Brandon Jennings went out of his mind for 55 against the Golden State Warriors in 2009. Jennings matched Elgin Baylor’s high-scoring game as a rookie 50 years after Baylor scored 55 for the Minneapolis Lakers against the Cincinnati Royals. Elvin Hayes scored 54 against the Detroit Pistons in 1968, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 51 against the Seattle Supersonics in 1970 and Allen Iverson scored 50 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1997.

That is the rarified air that Flagg entered on Thursday with his 49 points on 20-of-29 shooting, to go along with 10 rebounds against his former Duke roommate Kon Knueppel and the Hornets. Flagg’s 49 points also matched the rookie-season-high scoring mark of some guy named Michael Jordan. His Airness poured in 49 in a 136-129 win over the Detroit Pistons on Feb. 12, 1985 in the most prolific scoring outburst of Jordan’s rookie campaign.

Rookies just don’t do the things that Flagg does — and that’s before you take into account the fact that Flagg started doing these things as an 18-year-old. Scoring 49 points in an NBA game at Age 19 is unheard of. Chamberlain was 23 years old when he rewrote the NBA record books as a rookie in 1959-60. Barry was 21 and nine months when he scored 57 points in a game during his rookie season. Jennings was a full year and change older than Flagg when he scored 55 points as a rookie for the Bucks. Iverson was two months shy of 22 when he scored 50 as a rook. Flagg became, with Thursday’s performance, the youngest player in NBA history (19 years, 35 days) to record a 45-point game.

Mavericks fans have seen some things, man. The 2011 NBA championship was a basketball fairy tale written by a team that zigged when the entire league was mid-zag, with the unlikeliest of protagonists at center stage. The rise of basketball savant Luka Dončić in our own backyard was the stuff of legend, made all the more quizzical by his untimely ouster. When it’s all said and done, though, the Legend of Flagg has the potential to move all that to one side if his career continues on the trajectory his rookie season has taken off on.

COOPER up to 44pts! New career high and new Mavs rookie all time scoring high! pic.twitter.com/ByEV3e8JOp

— MavsHighlights (@MavsHighlights) January 30, 2026

When people tell you who they are, it’s wise to believe them. When people show you who they are and what they’re about, you’re left with no choice in the matter. Flagg’s ability to take over a game is no mere flash in the pan. He shows us the fundamentals that gird his game-changing, high-flying explosiveness on a night-in, night-out basis. His game isn’t perfect, but he’s already shown a unique aptitude for learning on the fly and improving the weak spots in his game on the job as the youngest player in the league. Just wait until he’s had a full NBA offseason or two under his belt.

This kid is already a certified monster. He’s an omega-level mutant in a world of superheroes — there appears to be no upper limit to the development of the powers he possesses. Flagg defends better than any rookie we’ve seen take a swim through Dallas, both in passing lanes and on the ball. He can get to the rim against basically anyone. His mid-range game could fool a casual fan into believing they’re watching the savviest vet in the game. If Flagg ever becomes a true 3-point shooter and if he can cut his turnovers by a third, he’s going to be the best player in the NBA one day.

All that is to say nothing of Flagg’s most impressive skill — the ability to elevate his game in the final five minutes of a close game. He’s a killer. His game-tying 3-pointer on Thursday over the outstretched arm of 6’10” forward Moussa Diabate with 33 seconds showing on the clock is just the latest evidence of Flagg’s latent greatness, magnified when the lights are at their brightest.

The lumps he’s taking with a ragged roster around him in his rookie season will serve Flagg well, as long as the Mavericks’ front office can get its shit together behind whoever is inserted into the captain’s chair as the team’s next general manager. As exciting as Flagg’s rapid on-the-job development has been to watch in his rookie season, his demeanor is the glue that will eventually hold a winning team together.

“It’s tough,” Flagg said in his postgame press conference on Thursday. “We fight the whole game, play really heard, stick together, give ourselves a chance to win. It’s tough, but there [are] a lot of positives we can take from this. … With the turnover, I’ve just got to be better. I haven’t seen a ton of double-teams closing out games, so I just have to be a lot better.”

This is not a young man getting in over his skis or drunk on his own power. This is a kid who knows only winning and has a thirst to get back to his regularly scheduled dominance as soon as the roster around him allows for it.

“Ten-plus years down the road, we’ll both be looking back on this as a pretty special thing,” Flagg said on Thursday. He was referring specifically to his in-game battle with his friend Knueppel, who piled up 34 points on eight made 3-pointers for the Hornets in the win, but Mavs fans are no doubt envisioning another “pretty special thing” when they peer 10 years into Flagg’s potential career arc.

It’s hard not to, even as we recover from a deep burn less than a year old, because we’re bearing witness to things already in Flagg’s rookie season that few fans are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of. Let’s not take this for granted. The history books suggest not to.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...e-best-basketball-games-by-an-nba-rookie-ever

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Should the Mavericks Trade Naji Marshall?

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 24: Naji Marshall #13 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at American Airlines Center on January 24, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The trade deadline is less than a week away, and the Mavericks are expected to be active. Following Anthony Davis’s injury that derailed any trade talks for the 10-time All-Star, the focus has shifted to other key rotational pieces for the Mavericks. Naji Marshall, in particular, has been a player teams have reportedly been making calls on. Should the Mavericks consider dealing him? Should they hang onto him as a building piece around Cooper Flagg? Let’s take a look at both sides.

The Case for Trading Marshall​

Naji Marshall is a fan-favorite, and it’s easy to see why. The six-year veteran forward is averaging career highs this season in points per game (14.7), rebounds (4.9), and assists (3.0). Marshall also ranks 16th in the NBA in field goal percentage at 54.4%. In his last seven games, he’s averaging 20.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Half of his production this season is coming off the bench, all the more impressive, which makes him an attractive piece to many teams.

The NBA doesn’t have many Naji Marshalls anymore—gritty, grindy, competitive guys who can do it all. Many fringe contenders are thirsty for wings, especially those that can create and defend. Marshall is a versatile wing who can guard one through four and can also be the catalyst for running an offense, especially coming off the bench. The playoffs rely heavily on bench depth, and Marshall is the perfect missing piece many teams could talk themselves into pursuing.

The Mavericks have been adamant in the asking price for Marshall – at least one future first round pick, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein. It’s widely believed some teams would be willing to meet Dallas’s demands.

Naji Marshall just turned 28. Cooper Flagg just turned 19. Every roster building decision the Mavericks make moving forward should be based on Flagg’s timeline. Although Marshall is a fun watch and a great locker room guy, Dallas has to prioritize accumulating future assets to build around Flagg. If a team calls offering a decent first round pick selection, the Mavs should consider taking it.

The Nico Harrison timeline and vision of competing now is done and out the window. The focus should be on building a championship team around Flagg’s timeline. Naji Marshall doesn’t fit that. The second part of this is the money. Marshall is on the second year of his team-friendly deal of $27 million over three years. After next season, He’ll be due a much larger pay day. As of now, Dallas doesn’t have the financial flexibility for a Marshall pay raise. And even if they did, giving a larger contract to a player that would be about to turn 30 doesn’t make much sense.

Dallas has an opportunity to surround Flagg with younger talent that fits with his timeline. Teams are calling, and the Mavs should be listening.

The Case for Keeping Marshall​

The other side of the coin is keeping him and hoping the Mavericks can flip other players like Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, and Anthony Davis. Doing so would give Dallas opportunities to accumulate future picks while finding financial flexibility. Dallas can’t be bad and be a second-apron team. That’s a nightmare scenario.

Keeping a guy like Naji Marshall could be beneficial for Dallas’s hopes in getting back into the playoff picture for next year. As of now, Dallas does not control its own pick from 2027 through 2030. Meaning the Mavs have no motivation to be bad and hope for more draft luck. Going into next season, the organization will likely want to refocus on competing in the West once again.

Naji Marshall would be a key player in a deep (and hopefully healthier) roster next season. Kyrie Irving coming back would fix many of the point guard woes the Mavs have endured this season. Plug in a healthy (again – hopefully) Dereck Lively II, plus Max Christie, P.J Washington, and year two of Cooper Flagg, you have some real pieces that could make Dallas at minimum a .500 team next season. Dallas would also have a top 10 pick from the 2026 draft to add to this mix. And what if the Mavericks don’t trade Anthony Davis? All of a sudden, you could talk yourself into this team being a top six team in the West next season. Naji Marshall would be an important piece of that roster.

Marshall is also a durable player. He’s only missed one game this season and is the definition of reliable when it comes to health in Dallas (and boy, have the Mavs needed it). He shows up, plays hard every night, competes, and hits floaters in his sleep. Naji Marshalls don’t just grow on trees and having his energy on both ends is crucial if the Mavs want to take a big leap forward in the win column next year.

If you look at the roster and think a healthy Mavericks team could contend next year, it’s easy to see Naji Marshall being a part of that. Dallas will still have to make moves to create more financial flexibility, but that doesn’t necessarily have to involve Naji Marshall. It would get more complicated at the end of next season once his contract is set to expire, but that’s a bridge that could be crossed at that time. For now, he’s been a silver lining in a largely disappointing season for Dallas.

Trade Deadline is February 5th​

The trade deadline is next Thursday, February 5th, at 3 PM EST. The Mavericks have some important decisions to make. Perhaps the most important is should Dallas keep Marshall and try to run it back next year with a healthier roster? Or reshape the timeline around Cooper Flagg and focus on the future?

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/mavericks-rumors/55300/should-the-mavericks-trade-naji-marshall

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Mavericks vs Rockets Final Score: Houston escapes Dallas, 111-107

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 31: Max Christie #00 of the Dallas Mavericks plays defense during the game against the Houston Rockets on January 31, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks fell to the Houston Rockets on Saturday night in a grindy, back-and-forth affair, losing 111-107. Amen Thompson led Houston with 21 points eight rebounds, and nine assists. Cooper Flagg was stellar in defeat, scoring 34 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing five assists.

Both the Mavericks and the Rockets started the game with many, many bricks. When Dallas called a timeout down 13-8 at the six-minute mark, the two teams had shot a combined 8 of 26 from the field. Flagg and Durant come out of the stoppage dualing, with the former driving the lane with authority and the latter connecting on beautiful jumpers. Dallas managed to hang with Houston early as Alperin Sengun seemed to forget how to play basketball, missing all six of his attempts in the quarter. Brandon Williams’ efforts helped keep Dallas in the mix late into the frame with his paint probing, but Houston would end the quarter up 31-28.

The second frame saw the Rockets continue to take Dallas lightly. The Mavericks went shot-for-shot in the first six minutes of the quarter. Following a Houston timeout, the Rockets finally managed to string together a few defensive possessions while converting on the other end. Sengun finally broke the seal on the basket at 5:05 to give the Rockets a five-point lead, forcing a Jason Kidd timeout. The lead grew to as large as eight, with Dallas managing to chop into it in the closing the lead to three with 30 seconds to go. But a Jabari Smith ally-oop and Durant three gave the Rockets an eight point lead heading into the half.

After outworking Houston on the boards on both ends in the first half, Dallas got hammered on the glass in the opening minutes of the third quarter. The Rockets grew their lead to 13 twice before Kidd called a timeout to settle the troops. The Mavericks just kept coming and had a chance to cut it to four on a Caleb Martin lay in, only he was blocked by two Rockets which led to a Houston three on the fast break. Martin later atoned with a made three and a free throw to cut the lead to five. Dallas entered the fourth down 87-82.

The final frame was more of the same: good basketball from both teams, with Houston being just a bit better. The Rockets managed to hold a double-digit lead for a significant portion of the period, but the Mavericks kept firing away. Klay Thompson’s back-to-back threes around the six minute mark gave the Mavericks some momentum and a Flagg bucket with a foul gave Dallas a chance to make it a clutch game with under four minutes remaining. But he missed the free throw and Durant answered the possession to give Houston an eight point lead. Daniel Gafford made free throws actually did make this a clutch game with 2:30 to go and followed that up with a loose ball dunk to pull Dallas within two. The Mavericks and Rockets traded baskets only for Marshall to tie the game at 107 with 50 seconds left. Sengun answered the next possession with a post bucket and Dallas called a timeout wth 29 seconds to go. Flagg drove to the basket on the ensuing possession and pushed it too hard (there may have been uncalled contact). Dallas failed to foul and gave up an open court dunk. Houston escaped Dallas, 111-107.

Have to make your free throws, guys​

In a four point loss, the Mavericks missed 11 free throws. That can’t happen. The margins for the Mavericks are too tight most games, they’re *right there* in many contests so these self inflicted wounds really hurt. Flagg and Naji in particular missed seven and that will gnaw at them following this one.

Amen Thompson, everywhere all at once​

Thompson’s the kind of player I struggle to explain to casuals. Everyone sees the top tier athleticism, but they also see the really bad three point shooting percentage. Here’s what I see: a guy who appears all over the basketball court. I don’t know how many deflections he had in this game, but his two steals don’t tell the tale. He pestered every passing lane he was near. Offensively, he grabbed five offensive rebounds. As a forward, that’s ridiculous. His nearly 80% free throw shooting tells me there’s some hope yet to his shot, so this is a guy NBA watchers should keep a close eye on.

Extra Rockets possessions doomed Dallas​

Dallas took 16 fewer shots than the Rockets. While they did reasonably well on the defensive glass in spurts against Houston, they didn’t do good enough, surrendering 18 (Dallas didn’t do bad themselves, grabbing 11). But if you get beat on the boards and turn the ball over more (11 to 6 in favor of Houston with fewer), then it’s really hard to win the game.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...l-score-xx-xx-recap-cooper-flagg-kevin-durant

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Stats Rundown: 3 numbers to know from the Mavericks loss to the Rockets

Jan 31, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) and Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) shake hands after the game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks lost 111-107 to the Houston Rockets Saturday night, the Mavericks fourth loss in a row. Cooper Flagg had another outstanding game, but it wasn’t enough as other Mavericks struggled to support the superstar rookie.

Flagg had 34 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. The Rockets had a much more balanced attack, with all their starters in double-figures, with Amen Thompson leading them with 21 points.

This was a back-and-forth game, with the Rockets extending to double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, only for the Mavericks to make a furious rally to tie the game in the final minute, before Alperen Sengun made the game-winning layup with 28.6 seconds left.

Dallas still sits outside the play-in picture at 11th and is now four games back of 10th. Onto the stats we noticed.

1: Teenagers with consecutive 30-point double-doubles​

Cooper Flagg is ridiculous. He scored a historic 49 points against the Hornets on Thursday, the highest points scored in a single game by a teenager in NBA history, and the Mavericks record for points by a rookie. His encore was a delicious 34-point, 12 rebounds, five assist performance against a great Rockets defense — on the road no less.

Flagg started off a bit slow (for his rising standards), but exploded in the fourth quarter. According to the box score, Flagg was 9-of-13 in the paint. He continually went straight at the Rockets best perimeter defenders like Thompson and Tari Eason. Flagg stumbled a bit in the final possessions, and his final attempt to tie the game was wild drive at the rim right at Thompson, but Flagg will learn. It’s just crazy how polished he is as a scorer, without his jumper being consistent.

27.3: Naji Marshall’s field-goal percentage​

Marshall had an absolutely killer January shooting nearly 60 percent from the field entering tonight, but this was a rough one. Marshall was 3-of-11 from the floor and scored only eight points. It’s his lowest point total of the month.

Dallas desperately needed someone else to join Flagg in his scoring barrage, and Marshall has usually been the guy. It was an off night for Marshall, and Dallas couldn’t recover.

18: Houston offensive rebounds​

Houston leads the league in offensive rebounding, and they dominated the Mavericks on the glass tonight, even without injured Steven Adams.

The Rockets had 18 offensive rebounds, and combining that with only six total turnovers, they won the possession game decisively. Houston had 108 shot attempts compared to 92 for Dallas.

Flagg and Marshall were Dallas’ leading defensive rebounders, with 11 and seven respectively. Starting center Daniel Gafford had another poor defensive rebounding game. He had 11 overall, but only six of those were defensive boards. The Mavericks simply needed more from their starting center in this one.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...o-know-from-the-mavericks-loss-to-the-rockets

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

The Dallas Mavericks must reevaluate their path forward

DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 29: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 29, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

As the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches, it’s time for the Dallas Mavericks to reevaluate their path forward in building around Cooper Flagg. Dallas is at a crossroads, left with limited assets and aging, injury-prone sidekicks following Hurricane Nico. Following Anthony Davis’ hand injury and Kyrie Irving potentially nearing a return to play, the Mavericks brass need to shift their priorities to put their young and budding superstar in Flagg in a position to succeed. Success is fragile, and we have all seen how quickly it can be thrown away. It’s key that the Mavericks finally build around their young star the right way. They only have one opportunity to build around Flagg, and here are some key points Patrick Dumont and company need to consider in doing so.

Get serious about your General Manager search​

Following Nico Harrison’s dismissal, the Mavericks have opted to run their front office by committee, naming Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi as co-interim general managers. According to The Athletic, the pairing will remain in that position until springtime. This will allow the Mavericks to have access to potential candidates who are currently employed. Dallas clearly prefers having a candidate with prior front office experience after Harrison tore apart the franchise. Harrison took over the reins when the Detroit Pistons hired Dennis Lindsey, previously an advisor to Harrison. Many attribute the success that resulted in the Mavericks 2024 Finals Run to the brains of Dennis Lindsey, and Dallas will have the opportunity to poach him or another executive in the offseason.

When the Adelson family bought the Mavericks, we were told they were the type of people willing to spend money on the team. While we are yet to see that come to fruition, they need to heavily pursue a competent executive to pick up the pieces of Hurricane Nico. Dumont has seemingly committed to getting the Mavericks on the right track to build around Flagg, but deciding who is responsible for getting the job done can be the difference between contention and mediocrity.

A Davis/Flagg/Irving core is nothing more than a concept that will never work​

The concept of a Davis/Flagg/Irving core is nothing more than an “on paper” idea that will never pan out. Davis has a history of getting injured about every five games he plays in Dallas. He’s played 20 total games this year, and history is not in his favor for staying on the floor. Add that to Irving’s situation; he’s nearing 33 years old, returning from a year-long absence due to an ACL tear. When he comes back, there is no guarantee that he will be the same player he was last season before the injury. According to reports, Dumont wants to see the trio of Flagg/Irving/Davis play together before making any “premature” decisions on Dallas’ future. This is a losing bet that only hurts Flagg’s growth as a player and the Mavericks ability to build a competent roster around him.

At this point, Davis will at least remain a Maverick through the offseason. It is hard to imagine that there will be a list of teams lining up out the door to acquire his services because of his contract and inability to stay on the floor for more than five games at a time. If the Hawks or Raptors are willing to rekindle trade discussions, Dallas needs to move past the concept of the trio and shift its priorities to building around Flagg’s future.

Recuperate lost assets​

The Mavericks flushed all of their future draft assets down the drain after spending the last seven seasons building a competitive team around Luka Doncic. Following the 2026 Draft, they don’t own another pick of their own until 2031. They need to be in the market for dealing guys like Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson, who have both driven interest among the league, for first-round picks, and not settle for a deal with a second, or two, thrown in. Dallas would be mistaken to not at least try to call up teams like the Thunder, Spurs, and Hornets to see if there is any interest in sending Dallas one of their picks back. The CBA emphasizes building through the draft, and we have seen how that can lead to success in Oklahoma City. Dallas struggled to draft players to fit around Doncic, and they have to get it right this go-around with Flagg.

Flagg has continued to show over the course of the season that he is a budding superstar, and his 49-point performance Thursday night against the Hornets was another reminder that the sky is his limit. Dallas needs to reprioritize their future to build a competitive team around Flagg, and if the time to realign its focus wasn’t yesterday, it’s now.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...ks-reevaluate-path-forward-flagg-davis-irving

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Jason Kidd didn’t just go off. He might be letting go.

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 14: Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks stands prior to a game against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center on January 14, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jason Kidd’s F-bomb tirade drew national attention for obvious reasons. NBA coaches rarely go full scorched earth on the media, even when they clearly want to. The presser clip circulated widely, elevated by the sheer novelty of the language. And in a league wired for viral reaction, most commentary stopped there: the outburst itself, the profanity, the volume knob turned up.

But the real story isn’t what Kidd said.

It’s when he said it.

Because if you watch the clip closely, this wasn’t bravado. It wasn’t a man flexing over having “been right” about Cooper Flagg. It sounded like a man who doesn’t expect to be in Dallas much longer—and may not want to be.

The Kidd era has been a rollercoaster. In Year One, Kidd guided the Mavericks to a surprise run to the Western Conference Finals. In Year Two, they tanked the final games of the season (earning a league fine) but held onto a pick that became Dereck Lively II. In Year Three, they shocked the basketball world and reached the NBA Finals. In Year Four, Luka Dončić was traded, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis both suffered injuries, and Kidd found himself coaching a team with a dearth of draft capital beyond 2026—and then…the lottery gods dropped Cooper Flagg into Maverick blue.

And now, with the end of Year Five on the horizon, with a GM search underway, Kidd sat at a podium and declared:

“I’ve played this game. I played it at a very high level. I know what the f*** I’m doing. But I don’t give a f*** what you guys write.”

Except… that’s not true. He does care—at least enough to know who’s poking holes and what he thinks is ‘bull****. You don’t swing at ghosts unless you see them.

So let’s ask the question that really matters: if Jason Kidd wants to remain the head coach of this team, especially as they enter the second year of the Cooper Flagg era… why crash out like this? Why now?

Some possibilities deserve consideration. None of this is sourced—this is speculation, but not reckless.

1. Maybe Kidd knows he won’t be retained. With Nico Harrison out, an outside general manager is possible, if not expected. Dennis Lindsey remains a likely candidate. Most incoming GMs want to hire their own coach, especially when the team is young, asset-strapped, and facing a multi-year reboot.
2. Maybe Kidd was gunning for the GM role and knows the door has closed. Publicly framing himself as a “builder of players” in that presser wasn’t just self-defense. It may have been the résumé line he hoped would carry weight internally. But if the job’s going elsewhere, and he senses it, the rant begins to read not as confidence—but resignation.
3. Or maybe Kidd simply doesn’t want to be here anymore. If your vision was to win with Luka and Kyrie, and now you’re coaching a teenager while narratives pick at your every decision, maybe the expiration date has already passed in your mind—even if the contract hasn’t.

The truth probably lives at the intersection of all three. What we can say with clarity is this: Kidd’s feelings about the media aren’t new. He’s never seemed fond of the beat corps. But contempt alone doesn’t explain this level of rupture. That kind of language doesn’t erupt unless the pressure valve is failing—or unless the speaker no longer cares about managing perception.

There are still reasons to like Jason Kidd as a coach. The locker room has never publicly fractured, and his guys play hard even when a deep playoff run is off the table. But this is not a referendum on his résumé. The new GM will face a question of fit.

As the Mavericks orbit around Cooper Flagg’s development, what this franchise needs most is steady calm. Alignment. A coach who can grow with the team, not grow irritated with the coming rebuild.

Kidd’s presser felt like anything but that sort of stability. It came off as emotional offloading. It felt like someone saying things he’s been holding back—because there’s no longer a reason not to say them.

If he truly desired to be the coach of the Flagg era—if he believed he’d be here for the long haul—you don’t get this kind of outburst. You get composure. You get positioning. You get the quiet political discipline of someone playing the long game.

Instead, we got:

“I know what the f*** I’m doing.”

And maybe he does. But if that’s true, then this outburst wasn’t a misstep. It was a message.

And the message might just be: I’m already out the door. I’m just saying goodbye in my language.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...kidd-didnt-just-go-off-he-might-be-letting-go