Mavericks Lead Portland Trail Blazers 56-51 At Halftime; Cooper Flagg Paces Dallas With 20 Points

PORTLAND, Ore. — Cooper Flagg has 20 points, and the Dallas Mavericks lead the Portland Trail Blazers 56-51 at halftime at Moda Center.

Flagg is 7-of-11 from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line through two quarters. Naji Marshall has added 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting with 3 assists and 4 steals. Marvin Bagley III has been the standout off the bench, contributing 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting — all of it coming in the first quarter, the highest-scoring quarter of his season. He had previously scored 10 points in a quarter against Milwaukee on Dec. 1. Bagley added 3 rebounds and an assist in 12 minutes.

Dallas outscored Portland 32-22 in the first quarter before the Trail Blazers responded with a 29-24 second quarter to pull within five. Jrue Holiday leads Portland with 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting. Jerami Grant has 13 points, going 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Deni Avdija has 11 points, but Portland is shooting just 42.5% from the field and has committed 12 turnovers — Dallas has converted them into points consistently, with 7 steals of its own.

Klay Thompson Sets Mavericks Franchise Record

Klay Thompson, who has played 8 minutes off the bench, hit his first 3-pointer of the night to surpass Tim Hardaway Jr. for the most 3-pointers off the bench by a Maverick in a single season with 174 makes. He has 188 3-pointers on the season and is 12 makes shy of his 11th career season with 200 or more.

Before the game, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the challenge Portland presents.

“They’re very talented and can give you a lot of different looks,” Kidd said. “They can defend and score, and they’re shooting the three as well as anyone right now.”

Managing the Portland Trail Blazers’ Ball Pressure

Brandon Williams flagged ball pressure as the primary concern against Portland’s defense. Through two quarters, it has been an issue.

“They’re going to be super physical on the ball, picking up full court, be a little rowdy,” Williams said. “So just be poised, be under control as a point guard, and keep turnovers down.”

Dallas has committed 7 turnovers through two quarters. Marshall, who has been Dallas’s steadiest force alongside Flagg in the first half, also saw it coming.

“Very physical team,” Marshall said before the game. “They finish at the basket very good. They protect the basket very good as well. They can shoot the three. They play fast. It’s all around a great team.”

Inside the Halftime Numbers

The rebounding battle has favored Portland, 26-19, which bears watching in the second half with Dwight Powell starting in place of the out Daniel Gafford (right shoulder sprain). Khris Middleton was a late scratch with an illness and has not played. Donovan Clingan has 1 point and 7 rebounds for Portland in 13 minutes.

“We’ve been struggling guarding the three-point line,” Kidd said before the game. “Teams have been shooting at a higher percentage than normal. It takes five guys out there to protect the paint better — especially without Gafford.”

Williams, playing at the arena where his NBA career began, has 1 point and 2 assists in 6 minutes. Dallas is shooting 45.7% from the field and 30.8% from 3-point range heading into the break.

More Dallas Mavericks Coverage From Tonight’s Game in Portland

• Dallas Mavericks Forward Khris Middleton Ruled Out vs. Portland Trail Blazers With Illness
• Brandon Williams Details Return From Concussion And What The Dallas Mavericks Need Against Portland Trail Blazers
• Cooper Flagg Not Listed On Dallas Mavericks Injury Report Against Portland Trail Blazers After Hand Injury Scare
• Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin Ruled Out As Dallas Mavericks Update Injury Report Against Portland Trail Blazers
• Brandon Williams’ Return Gives Dallas Mavericks A Needed Boost In Loss To Denver Nuggets