DALLAS — In an effort to end their four-game losing streak, the Dallas Mavericks achieved a commanding 110-93 victory against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night, with both Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford contributing 22 points each to the win.
The Spurs played without their star center, Victor Wembanyama, who is sidelined due to a bruised right knee and is currently day-to-day. Wembanyama, who was the unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year last season, sustained the injury during a loss at home to the Los Angeles Lakers the night prior.
Zach Collins stepped into Wembanyama’s starting role and scored a season-high 20 points for the Spurs. Meanwhile, Julian Champagnie added 13 points, all scored during the first half of the game, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
Gafford’s performance marked a season high in points as the Mavericks boasted a remarkable total of 54 points coming from their bench.
Irving, making his return after sitting out the previous game due to a right shoulder sprain, played a crucial role in the Mavericks’ win.
Luka Doncic, who entered the game averaging 29.3 points per game, managed only 16 points, slightly above his season-low. He also contributed with six rebounds and six assists but logged a season-low 28 minutes of play.
In terms of key takeaways, the Spurs were missing a significant presence in Wembanyama, who had been effective behind the arc in recent games, shooting 24 of 50 previously. Collins, stepping in for him, struggled with his shooting, going 0 for 5 on the night.
The Mavericks took advantage of Wembanyama’s absence, dominating the paint and outscoring the Spurs 46-22 in that area through three quarters.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when the score was tied at 47 with less than three minutes remaining in the first half. Gafford made a crucial block on Tre Jones, and though Collins secured the rebound, it was lost to P.J. Washington Jr. He quickly assisted Naji Marshall for a layup that put the Mavericks ahead for good.
Statistically, the Mavericks showcased their dominance in the third quarter, outscoring the Spurs 38-18 and shooting an impressive 59.1% compared to the Spurs’ 22.7%.
Looking ahead, the Spurs are set to begin a three-game homestand on Tuesday against Oklahoma City as part of the NBA Cup, while the Mavericks prepare for a back-to-back matchup against the same team on Sunday night.