In a thrilling Monday night game, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 129-119, largely thanks to an incredible fourth-quarter performance by Kyrie Irving. The victory marks the Mavericks’ fifth win in their last six games, showcasing their strength even while missing key players. Irving was the star of the show, leading a late-game surge that the Hawks could not contain.
Irving’s Clutch Performance in the Final Quarter
Kyrie Irving was the deciding factor in the Mavericks’ win, scoring 32 points total. His most impactful moments came when the team needed them most. Irving scored 16 of his points in the fourth quarter alone, completely taking over the game.
He went on a stunning run, hitting three consecutive three-pointers. This offensive explosion broke down the Hawks’ defense and shifted the game’s momentum entirely in Dallas’ favor. Irving’s ability to score under immense pressure was the key reason the Mavericks turned a deficit into a comfortable victory.
Mavericks’ Offense Fires on All Cylinders
While Irving led the charge, the victory was a true team effort. The Mavericks showed impressive offensive depth with several players making significant contributions to the scoreboard. This balanced attack was crucial in overcoming the Hawks.
Jalen Hardy had a fantastic game, adding 23 points. He was followed closely by Naji Marshall and Spencer Dinwiddie, who each scored 22 points. The supporting cast also played a vital role in the win.
- PJ Washington: Provided a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
- Daniel Gafford: Offered a spark off the bench with 10 points.
- Spencer Dinwiddie: Also facilitated the offense with 16 assists.
This collective effort highlighted the team’s resilience, especially considering they were without key players like Luke Kornet and Al Horford. The Mavericks proved they could rely on their entire roster to step up.
How the Game Unfolded
The game was a back-and-forth battle for the first three quarters. The Hawks held a six-point lead at halftime and even managed to extend it early in the third quarter. At one point, a three-pointer from Jalen Johnson put Atlanta ahead 80-69.
However, the Mavericks refused to give up. They began to chip away at the lead, with a dunk from Johnson cutting the deficit to just four points. The real turning point came in the final quarter. Fueled by Irving’s heroics, Dallas went on a decisive 10-2 run to take control and secure the win.
| Statistic | Dallas Mavericks | Atlanta Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 129 | 119 |
| Three-Pointers Made | 22 | 12 |
| Top Scorer | Kyrie Irving (32) | Jalen Johnson (28) |
| Top Assister | Spencer Dinwiddie (16) | Trae Young (16) |
Losing Streak Continues for the Hawks
For the Atlanta Hawks, this loss marks their third in a row. Despite strong individual performances, the team couldn’t find a way to stop the Mavericks’ powerful offense in the final period.
Jalen Johnson had an excellent game for Atlanta, leading his team with 28 points and 11 rebounds. Trae Young also filled the stat sheet with 18 points and 16 assists. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the Mavericks’ late surge. The Hawks’ defensive breakdowns in the fourth quarter proved to be their undoing, allowing Dallas to capitalize and pull away for the victory.
