Dallas Mavericks (25-53) beat Los Angeles Lakers (50-28) 134-128 at home on Sunday, April 5 in overtime.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Mavericks struck first, taking the opening quarter 41-30 and a 11-point lead after one. The Lakers cut into the deficit with a 31-26 second quarter, though the Mavericks still led by 6 at halftime.
The Mavericks won the third 40-36 to create some separation, taking a 10-point lead into the fourth. The Lakers took the fourth 31-27; the Mavericks held on for a 134-128 regulation win.
The Mavericks finally separated the teams in overtime, winning it 0-0 to close out a 134-128 victory.
What decided it
The Mavericks took better care of the ball, turning it over on 6.8% of possessions compared with 11.3% for the Lakers. The Mavericks got more from their shots, finishing at 60.2% effective field-goal shooting compared with 56% for the Lakers. Those extra possessions were crucial.
The Lakers did win one battle, second chances: ORB% of 26.8% against 17.4%. The Mavericks made up for it elsewhere.
At roughly 105 possessions per team, the Mavericks produced 128 points per 100 possessions to 122.3 for the Lakers.
The Mavericks' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 40-25.
Who stepped up
Cooper Flagg was the game's biggest individual force for DAL: 45 pts, 8 reb, 9 ast on 14-27 shooting. His Game Score of 39.5 led everyone. His team was +11 with him on the floor.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 30 pts, 9 reb, 15 ast on 12-22 shooting, good for a 27.6 Game Score.
LeBron James (30 pts, 9 reb, 15 ast) and Luke Kennard (15 pts, 16 reb, 11 ast) each recorded a double-double.
What it means
By our Win Meter this was an upset: The Mavericks entered with about a 26% chance.
Across the last 6 meetings in our records, Los Angeles Lakers lead 5-1.
The Mavericks are now 25-53, and the Lakers are 50-28. The Mavericks last five before this game: L-W-L-L-L.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.