DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks overcame turnovers, missed free throws, and a resilient Memphis Grizzlies squad to earn a pivotal 115-105 victory on Tuesday night in their final NBA Cup Group C game.
The win kept Dallas clinched a wild-card spot in the knockout rounds, bolstered by standout performances from Luka Dončić, P.J. Washington Jr., and Dereck Lively II.
Jason Kidd
Head coach Jason Kidd emphasized the team’s perseverance, especially in the fourth quarter, when the Mavericks outscored Memphis 36-18 despite earlier struggles.
“The group did a great job of staying together,” Kidd said. “There was a lot of positivity on the bench. We just kept fighting, even with turnovers and things we haven’t been doing. It wasn’t just Luka carrying us. Spencer stepped up, made big shots, but it was the defense—the group out there getting stops at the right time.”
Kidd also reflected on a crucial challenge late in the game that overturned a foul call, leading to two free throws for Dinwiddie. “Challenges are tricky,” Kidd said. “But tonight, it went our way, and it was a key moment for us.”
Luka Dončić
Dončić recorded a remarkable 37-point, 12-rebound, 4-assist, and 4-steal performance, including 5 three-pointers. His efforts marked his 105th career game with at least 35 points, the most in the NBA since 2018-19.
The game also marked his 76th career 35-point double-double, tying Charles Barkley for 18th-most in league history.
“Just play our game—getting stops, rebounding the ball—that was really fun,” Dončić said of the fourth-quarter turnaround.
Dončić also praised his teammates for their contributions. “Spencer hit two back-to-back threes, and then PJ [Washington] with another big three—those were the biggest shots of the game,” he said.
The Slovenian superstar expressed enthusiasm for the NBA Cup format. “I like this cup. It’s really fun, and the energy is different,” Dončić said. “The crowd was into it tonight, and I appreciate the fans staying for this game. It was fun.”
P.J. Washington
Washington delivered one of his most complete performances as a Maverick, recording 18 points, 8 rebounds, a career-high-tying 7 assists, a steal, and 2 blocks. His back-to-back games with at least six assists marked a career first.
“PJ always brings it,” Dončić said. “He’s very vocal, always positive, and he can do a little bit of everything—guard the best players, rebound, playmake, and score. We have all the trust in the world with him.”
Washington’s contributions extended beyond the box score, as his leadership on the court has become a crucial part of the team’s chemistry. “It’s huge,” Washington said. “At the end of the day, it gives us something to play for early in the season. I think guys are excited about it, and we know every game matters.”
Dereck Lively II
Lively notched his fourth double-double of the season, finishing with 17 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks. The Mavericks are now 9-3 when Lively records a double-double.
“It comes down to grit,” Lively said. “There are going to be games where things aren’t going our way, but we just kept talking to one another and made sure the fight was never over.”
With his 10th career game with at least three blocks, Lively continues to climb the franchise’s defensive rankings, surpassing several Mavericks legends.
Spencer Dinwiddie
Dinwiddie’s late-game heroics included back-to-back three-pointers that shifted momentum in Dallas’ favor. He finished with 16 points, 4 assists, and a pair of steals.
“The first one, Kyrie threw it ahead to me, and I saw guys in the paint, so I shot it with confidence,” Dinwiddie said. “The second one was simpler—a swing-swing play, and I was wide open. You just step up, knock it down, and live with the result.”
Dinwiddie also reflected on the significance of the NBA Cup, noting how it adds an extra layer of competitiveness. “We wanted to go to Vegas, and we didn’t let this game get away,” he said.
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks are officially advancing to the knockout round of the NBA Cup after securing the Western Conference wild-card spot. They will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, December 10, at 8:30 p.m. CST at Paycom Center. The game will be nationally televised on TNT.
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