SAN ANTONIO — Spencer Dinwiddie led the Dallas Mavericks with a stellar performance, scoring 28 points to help his team edge out the San Antonio Spurs with a 133-129 victory on Monday night, ending the Mavericks’ five-game losing streak.
Klay Thompson contributed impressively with 26 points, securing the Mavericks’ first win since February 27. Standout performances included Naji Marshall with 24 points, and Kessler Edwards, who notched a double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
The San Antonio Spurs, facing another setback with this being their third consecutive loss, saw commendable efforts from Harrison Barnes who scored 29 points and Keldon Johnson who added 28. Devin Vassell also made a significant contribution by scoring 24 points.
Several key players missed the game due to injuries, including All-Stars such as San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama, and Dallas’ Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. Even the officiating squad wasn’t spared, with referee Sean Wright exiting in the first quarter due to a leg injury.
Dallas was particularly short-handed, fielding only eight players as Caleb Martin’s playing time was curtailed due to his recovery from a hip injury that benched him for two months.
**Takeaways**
Mavericks: Despite battling an eye injury, Edwards displayed remarkable accuracy, shooting 9 for 12 in his 35 minutes on the court. He received stitches below his left eyebrow after a collision with Dwight Powell on Sunday.
Spurs: Vassell and Johnson continue to climb the Spurs’ all-time 3-pointers list, surpassing Sean Elliott. Vassell’s initial 3-pointer of the game moved him to sixth place, while Johnson’s fourth 3-pointer pushed him into the seventh spot, coming closer to reaching the pinnacle held by Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili with 1,495.
**Key Moment**
With just 45.5 seconds left on the clock, Edwards stepped to the line and nailed two crucial free throws, extending Dallas’ lead to 127-123. This came after Vassell fouled him, following San Antonio’s push to narrow the deficit to two points.
**Key Stat**
San Antonio struggled from the free-throw line, converting just 14 out of 24 attempts.
**Up Next**
The Mavericks and Spurs will meet again on Wednesday as part of their two-game set in San Antonio.
