The Dallas Mavericks suffered another embarrassing loss. In Detroit, after a late catch-up, it was still 125:131 after overtime.
Detroit Pistons (6-18) – Dallas Mavericks (10-11) 131:125 OT (BOXSCORE)
Killian Hayes (22) became the game winner for Detroit. The point guard drained two threes within 40 seconds of the final score in overtime, his only two goals from downtown in the game. Maxi Kleber (10 points, 4/8 FG, 4 blocks) could have shortened again soon after, relocated but completely detached in transition. That was typical of the Mavericks’ performance that night.
Luka Doncic finished the game with 35 points (13/25 FG, 7/14 triples) and 10 assists, but not once did he argue with his teammates. The Slovenian was supported by Tim Hardaway Jr. (26, 6/14 3P) and Christian Wood (25, 10/13 FG). The three-pointer wasn’t the problem this time (19/46), but Dallas allowed 54 percent from the field against the basement kid from the east.
Dallas has already suffered bankruptcy against the three worst teams in the league (Detroit, Orlando, Houston). The Pistons’ best player, without Cade Cunningham, was Bojan Bogdanovic, who gave Dallas 30 points (10/14). Jaden Ivey, number 5, came off the bench after an injury and contributed 16 points and 6 assists in the victory.
Detroit could have scooped it much earlier. Before the final section, the hosts led by 10 points thanks to a run initiated by Alec Burks (10) and Saddiq Bey (6), and with just under two minutes remaining the lead was still +8. However, the Mavs closed the fourth quarter with an 8-0 run, with Hardaway Jr. and Doncic hitting threes and Reggie Bullock tying the game with 22 seconds left.
In the extra time, however, the guests ran out of air. Dallas also made more free throws (15) than they hit (14), and just one road win remains. “It’s all very disappointing,” head coach Jason Kidd said soberly. “We barely defended, we’ll have to talk about that tomorrow.”
NBA: The Stats Leader at Pistons vs. Mavericks
| Category | Pistons | Mavericks |
| Marks | Bojan Bogdanovic (30) | Luka Doncic (35) |
| Rebounds | Marvin Bagley III (13) | Christian Wood (8) |
| Assists | Killian Hayes (8) | Luka Doncic (10) |
| Steal | Bogdanovic, Duren, Burks (you 2) | Luka Doncic (3) |
| Blocks | – | Maxi glue (4) |
