Dallas Mavericks Rally Past Pelicans in NBA Cup Thriller
The Dallas Mavericks edged the New Orleans Pelicans 118-115 Friday night in NBA Cup action, powered by a career-night performance from rookie Cooper Flagg and a clutch late sequence by Naji Marshall. Flagg, the high-profile addition to Dallas, erupted for a career-high 29 points, showcasing versatility on offense and a growing poise in crunch time. Marshall, facing his former team, drilled the decisive three-pointer with 30.7 seconds remaining to put the Mavericks ahead for good.
Flagg Dominates in First Major Spark
Flagg’s breakout game provided a crucial spark for Dallas as he attacked the Pelicans from all three levels. He scored inside with assertive post moves, knocked down mid-range jumpers, and knocked down timely 3-pointers to keep the Mavericks within striking distance whenever New Orleans tried to pull away. The performance signaled a growing comfort in the Mavericks’ system and a glimpse of the ceiling many in Dallas had hoped for when they selected him.
Impact Beyond Points
Beyond the 29 points, Flagg contributed with rebounds, assists, and defensive plays that helped Dallas weather runs from New Orleans. His energy provided a distinct lift for a team that leaned on its depth as it navigated the closing minutes. The rookie’s late-game poise helped create comfortable opportunities for teammates, reinforcing the franchise’s belief in his long-term role in the rotation.
Marshall Returns to Former Team with a Clutch Moment
Naji Marshall, playing against his former team, delivered a defining moment when he drilled the go-ahead 3 with a half-minute to play. The shot capped a season of steady contributions for Marshall, who has thrived in a role that blends scoring, playmaking, and leadership. His confidence grew as the Pelicans mounted several fourth-quarter pushes, but his decisive strike solidified Dallas’s advantage and set the stage for a tense final possession sequence by New Orleans.
What It Means for Dallas
Friday’s win reinforces Dallas’s depth and versatility as it navigates a season with lofty expectations. The Mavericks showed they can close games against quality opponents when multiple players contribute, and they can lean on a young core to deliver in late-game situations. For a team building chemistry, wins like this provide valuable seconds of experience in a high-stakes environment—even in the NBA Cup setting.
What’s Next
Dallas will look to sustain momentum as it continues NBA Cup play and shifts focus to the regular season’s pivotal stretches. The team will assess Flagg’s continued growth and how Marshall’s experience and leadership can translate into more game-changing moments. Pelicans, meanwhile, will regroup and aim to translate their late-game efforts into consistent scoring down the stretch in upcoming contests.
