‘They Dominated Us In The Paint’: Dallas Mavericks Falter Late In Mexico City Loss To Detroit Pistons
The Dallas Mavericks appeared poised for their first road win of the season. But after three strong quarters, their offense stalled, their defense broke down inside, and they fell 122-110 to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night at Arena CDMX.
Jalen Duren powered the Pistons with a career-high 33 points and 11 rebounds, while Cade Cunningham added 21 points and a career-best 18 assists. Duncan Robinson scored 18 points, and Ausar Thompson added 15 as Detroit outscored Dallas 35-17 in the fourth quarter to seize control.
D’Angelo Russell led the Mavericks with 31 points off the bench, while top pick Cooper Flagg recorded 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in one of his most active performances to date. Max Christie scored 13 points and Brandon Williams added 12, but Dallas fell to 2-4 on the season after being outscored 72-26 in the paint.
Dallas Mavericks Find Early Offensive Flow
After opening the season with five consecutive home games, Dallas found rhythm early in its first road appearance. The Mavericks pushed the tempo, moved the ball well, and connected on a season-high 16 three-pointers to take a 93-87 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Jason Kidd said his team executed well for most of the night, only to run out of momentum late.
“For three quarters, we put ourselves in position to win that game,” Kidd said. “Unfortunately, in the fourth, they dominated the paint, got the turnovers, and capitalized off them. We missed some shots we normally make. Give them credit — they were good in that fourth quarter. We have to be better.”
Russell’s shotmaking carried the Mavericks through the first three quarters, as he mixed off-the-dribble threes with midrange jumpers to keep the Pistons off balance. His leadership and communication on both ends drew praise from Kidd.
“D-Lo was great on both ends,” Kidd said. “His leadership and communication were big. He kept us organized and benefited from that organization tonight. He knocked down shots, but his talk and trying to help others on the floor was huge.”
Russell said the Mavericks were able to adjust to the conditions and find a rhythm, but the altitude and fatigue became more noticeable late.
“To start the game, we were getting acquainted with the altitude and things like that,” Russell said. “We started to get a flow before halftime. The third quarter probably could’ve been a little better, and that carried over to the fourth.”
D’Angelo Russell Delivers Best Performance of Season
Russell was the clear offensive spark for Dallas, scoring efficiently from all three levels while orchestrating the offense in key stretches. He finished 11-of-20 from the field and 5-of-10 from beyond the arc, marking his highest-scoring game since joining the Mavericks.
Kidd praised Russell’s poise and communication on the floor, noting how he helped keep the team organized in the absence of Anthony Davis.
“D-Lo was great on both ends,” Kidd said. “His leadership and communication were big. He kept us organized and benefited from that organization tonight. He knocked down shots, but his talk and trying to help others on the floor was huge.”
Russell said his focus was on creating offensive flow and responding to the game’s pace, especially after adjusting to the altitude early.
“To start the game, we were getting acquainted with the altitude and things like that,” Russell said. “We started to get a flow before halftime. The third quarter probably could’ve been a little better, and that carried over to the fourth.”
He explained that once his shots began to fall, it opened the floor for others and allowed him to control tempo more effectively.
“Scoring the ball allows me to pass the ball,” Russell said. “When shots start to fall, it opens up the game a little bit.”
Kidd said Russell’s ability to adapt midgame showed the value of having another experienced ball handler on the floor.
“He’s been in a lot of big games,” Kidd said. “That composure helps the younger guys. We needed his scoring tonight, and he gave us everything he had.”
Detroit Pistons Dominate the Paint
Detroit controlled the interior throughout the game, using Duren’s athleticism and strength to overpower Dallas’ smaller front line. The Pistons held a 38-16 edge in paint points by halftime, but the Mavericks still managed to stay within two at the break and briefly went ahead in the third quarter after a three-point play by Daniel Gafford.
Even with Gafford’s return — his first appearance since suffering an ankle injury on the first day of training camp — the Mavericks were no match inside without Anthony Davis (left calf strain) and Dereck Lively II (right knee sprain). Gafford finished with seven points and four rebounds in 17 minutes.
“When you talk about AD, he’s one of the best players in the world,” Kidd said. “He couldn’t play tonight, so we’ve got to have other guys pick up the load. We did that for three quarters. Hopefully AD’s back sooner than later, but if he’s out, guys have to continue to find ways to win.”
The Pistons took the lead for good after Russell’s three-pointer gave Dallas a 106-105 advantage with 4:51 remaining. Duren responded with a putback, and Detroit closed the game on a 17-4 run fueled by second-chance points and transition buckets.
“They dominated us in the paint,” Kidd said. “Give them credit, they were good in the fourth quarter. It’s hard to win in this league. It’s not an excuse — you have to play with the guys that you have.”
Cooper Flagg’s Poise on Global Stage
Despite the loss, Flagg’s performance reflected progress in his adjustment to the NBA. He was active defensively and showed flashes of confidence attacking closeouts and facilitating in transition.
“We did a good job picking our spots and attacking mismatches,” Flagg said. “We were patient, found kick-outs, and got good looks. We weren’t hitting every shot — you never will — but we were getting good ones.”
Flagg said playing in front of a global crowd was a memorable experience and an important step in his development.
“The experience was incredible,” Flagg said. “It’s amazing to bring the game to a new place I’ve never been before. The crowd was amazing. The fans who showed up to support both teams were great. It was an incredible experience.”
Kidd said the altitude and travel added to the challenge but called the event an important showcase for the league’s international growth.
“Playing international basketball is always big, and for the NBA to come to Mexico City is great,” Kidd said. “The Mavs have been part of that. Like you said, we had the crowd behind us. That fourth quarter, we just couldn’t do anything right. We’ve got to go back and look at it so we can get better.”
The game marked the 15th regular-season NBA contest held in Mexico City — the most of any city outside the United States and Canada — and the fourth appearance there by the Mavericks, more than any other franchise.
Dallas will look to regroup when it faces the Houston Rockets on Monday night to end its two-game road trip.
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