‘The Margin Is So Small For Us’: Dallas Mavericks Drop First Game Of Post-Harrison Era To Phoenix Suns

Grant AfsethNovember 12, 2025November 13, 2025no comment

Brandon Williams, Dallas Mavericks, NBA, Phoenix Suns

Nick White/DallasHoopsJournal.com

The first night of the post–Nico Harrison era at American Airlines Center carried a different tone. The Dallas Mavericks played without the chants that had echoed through the building for weeks. Instead of “Fire Nico!,” fans delivered the steady, supportive noise Jason Kidd and his players had publicly asked for — chants of “DEFENSE!” and “LET’S GO, MAVS!” that fueled a late push but ultimately couldn’t rescue Dallas from a 123–114 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday.

The Mavericks dropped to 3–9 overall and 2–6 at home, continuing what has become their worst start through 12 games since 2017–18. But for the first time in weeks, the environment felt like home again.

Fans Reset the Atmosphere After Chaotic Week

The night marked Dallas’ first game since governor Patrick Dumont dismissed Harrison on Tuesday morning, a move that followed weeks of internal frustration and fan outcry — including the tense moment when chants calling for Harrison’s firing erupted while P.J. Washington was attempting critical free throws Monday against Milwaukee.

Before Wednesday’s game, Kidd made clear that those chants were “very disrespectful,” especially when they disrupted free-throw shooting. After Wednesday’s contest, he acknowledged the shift.

“The energy was good,” Kidd said. “We got off to a good start. When we tend to go cold a little bit, our defense has to carry the load.”

The players felt it too. The arena finally sounded like it was on their side.

Early Injury Changes Dallas’ Rhythm

Dallas’ promising start unraveled minutes after tip-off. P.J. Washington — one of the team’s best perimeter defenders and a stabilizing presence amid its injury troubles — left the game with a left shoulder strain after just 5½ minutes and never returned.

“I thought the group played hard, but to lose him five minutes into the game with a left shoulder strain, that put us down a guy who was playing well for us,” Kidd said.

The Mavericks led 17–9 when Washington exited. Phoenix then closed the quarter on a 12–0 run, turning the game immediately in their favor.

The Mavericks were already without Kyrie Irving (knee), Anthony Davis (calf), Dereck Lively II (knee), and Danté Exum (knee). Washington’s injury deepened the burden on a team that entered the night with more than $100 million in salary sitting in street clothes.

Cooper Flagg Battles Through Injury, Makes History

Cooper Flagg, coming off the best performance of his young career, again showed poise and versatility, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks — and becoming the youngest player in NBA history to post such a line.

But his night also included a scare. Midway through the first quarter, Flagg took contact from Grayson Allen while elevating and immediately grabbed at his left shoulder before heading to the locker room. He returned minutes later.

“It was a little stinger,” Flagg said. “Bodies are rundown. You’ve got some nagging stuff going on, but nothing I can’t play through.”

Kidd praised his rookie’s toughness.

“He got hurt, but I thought he came back and played at a high level,” Kidd said. “He’s a tough kid. There’s no quit in him.”

Dallas Mavericks Show Fight, But Turnovers Prove Costly

The Mavericks spent most of the night trailing by double digits, falling behind by as many as 18 points in the second half. But the crowd woke up in the fourth quarter as Dallas mounted a furious push.

Down 114–110 with under three minutes left, Max Christie punctuated a transition opportunity with a dunk off a pass from Flagg. Moments later, Brandon Williams sliced the deficit to 115–112 on a scoop layup.

But each time Dallas closed the gap, mistakes followed. A Daniel Gafford goaltending call on Grayson Allen’s runner pushed Phoenix’s lead back to five. Mark Williams blocked a late 3-point attempt by Williams, and Flagg misfired on a potential momentum-changing three in the final minute.

The Mavericks committed 21 turnovers, including six in the fourth quarter — mistakes Kidd said were decisive.

“The margin is so small for us,” Kidd said. “When we’re behind, we can’t turn the ball over. We’ve got to get shots.”

Flagg echoed the frustration.

“It’s very difficult to win games when you turn over the ball that many times,” he said. “That’s something we have to clean up.”

Booker, Allen Lead the Suns’ Attack

Phoenix’s offensive balance proved too much for Dallas to overcome. The Suns shot 40% from three, hit 14 threes, and finished with all five starters in double figures.

Devin Booker set the tone with 26 points and nine assists, repeatedly punishing Dallas in the mid-range and from deep.

“D-Book is playing at a high level,” Kidd said. “He gets to his spots. He doesn’t let the defense dictate where he goes.”

Grayson Allen added 23 points and delivered two crucial plays in the final 90 seconds that stopped Dallas’ comeback.

Klay Thompson, Brandon Williams, Max Christie Shine in Defeat

Dallas still produced several notable individual performances. Klay Thompson led the team with 19 points and a season-high six 3-pointers, while Brandon Williams followed with 17 points, nine assists and three steals in one of his most complete outings of the season.

Max Christie added 12 points, six rebounds and a career-high seven assists, and Daniel Gafford contributed 15 points, nine rebounds and two blocks while playing on a minutes restriction.

Naji Marshall chipped in 12 points, and Moussa Cissé delivered a strong defensive outing with nine rebounds and a season-high four blocks.

Thompson said the team must better support the home crowd.

“The energy was great,” Thompson said. “We have to give them something to cheer for on a nightly basis.”

After a Tumultuous Week, the Dallas Mavericks Try to Move Forward

Flagg admitted the noise around the organization has been “just part of it,” but said players are focused on basketball.

“There’s always going to be distractions,” he said. “We’re professionals — we just have to continue to do our job.”

Kidd emphasized that while the fans made their point with the “Fire Nico” chants, it’s time for unity.

“These guys can hear those things and they feel very disrespected,” Kidd said. “It’s hard to keep guys here in this league when they start to think the home team is not home.”

For one night, the crowd did its part. The performance on the court wasn’t enough to match it.

Dallas will try again Friday in its NBA Cup game against the LA Clippers.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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‘The Margin Is So Small For Us’: Dallas Mavericks Drop First Game Of Post-Harrison Era To Phoenix Suns