The Dallas Mavericks, with a record of 42-29, have significantly bolstered their chances of avoiding the NBA's play-in tournament by securing a decisive 132-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings. In a crucial matchup for the sixth seed in the Western Conference, the Mavericks dominated the Kings, extending their winning streak to five games and positioning them more favorably in the race to finish above the West's play-in spots. The game was highlighted by the Mavericks' exceptional performance in the third quarter, which set the tone for the remainder of the contest. The Kings, on the other hand, were criticized for their lackluster effort post-intermission, effectively waving the white flag with over five minutes left in the game. Luka Doncic's leadership on the court has been pivotal for Dallas, as they have won nine of their last ten games, with the only loss occurring in a game Doncic sat out. The Mavericks now hold a 1-2 record against the Kings in their season series, with the potential to win the tiebreaker in their final matchup, depending on their conference record.
The Mavericks extend their win streak to 5 games. π β DAL +0.5 β U 233.5 https://t.co/QJyvVVHjzg
One team showed up in the third quarter and the other team did not. In one of the biggest games of the season so far, the Kings laid an absolute egg coming out of the intermission and Mavericks ran them off the floor for a 132-96 win. Here are six quick thoughts:
Mavs have seized control of the fight to finish above the Westβs play-in by blowing out the Kings on the road. Dallas has won 9 of 10 β with Luka Doncic sitting out the lone loss in that stretch β so finishing higher than sixth is suddenly a realistic possibility.
I did not anticipate the Kings waving the white flag with 5:29 left in the game. Mavs just made a statement.
Jamie Benn extends his goal-scoring streak to 5 games. π (π₯: @NHL) https://t.co/pXNYxGaSQw
OK, so the Mavericks pull to 1-2 vs. the Kings for the season series. Kings can win tiebreaker with a win in the final game. Otherwise it comes down to conference record and the two teams are razor close in that department.
Giannis puts it back to beat the buzzer! He's up to 23 PTS, 13 REB entering the 4Q... Bucks in front on TNT. https://t.co/jHDsHLSs3i
Mavericks at Kings tonight β huge game in the race for the West's sixth seed and staying out of the play-in tournament. ICYMI, I recently wrote about Dallas, the mystery-box contender: https://t.co/zL6sDybopi And the Kings, trying to author an encore: https://t.co/hzvr8WOvlS
Giannis was DOMINANT last game π₯ 30 PTS 19 REB 13-18 FGM Watch him warm up ahead of LAL/MIL at 7:30pm/et on TNT as the #2 in East @Bucks seek 3 in a row! (music by @unitedmasters) https://t.co/v8qib3SIon
All tied record-wise... it's a battle for #6 in the West! NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic and the 42-29 Mavericks visit triple-doubles leader Domantas Sabonis and the 42-29 Kings tonight at 10pm/et on TNT. https://t.co/L6qZBbBrGc
AD & Giannis go head-to-head in Milwaukee! #9 in the West Lakers (2.5 games back of #8) seek their 4th straight win as they visit the #2 in East Bucks (2.5 ahead of #3) tonight at 7:30pm/et on TNT. https://t.co/7EwhXWVeMG
Mavs-Kings tonight with huge playoff implications with both teams on a back to back. Sigh. Kings clinch tiebreaker with win, Mavs need to take the final two and then hope to catch Kings in conference tiebreaker.
Mavs-Kings tonight (10pm/et, TNT/TruTV)... 6th place out West on the line πΏπΏπΏ https://t.co/z4UyLTCBUs
Quick reaction to the Mavericks' tougher-than-expected trip-opening win in Salt Lake City. https://t.co/8Q89U5JH0F
Mavericks start a long, crucial trip Monday at Utah -- a game they need to win to make sure they keep pace heading into vital games at Sacramento later this week. Here's our preview: https://t.co/x6L943YsDH