The Dallas Mavericks secured a 101-92 victory over the Orlando Magic to complete a season sweep. Both teams experienced a slow offensive start in the first half before the Mavericks found their rhythm in the second half. The shift in momentum led to a controlled display of scoring and intensity, ultimately shaping the outcome of the contest.

 

Emergence of a Key Performer

Jaden Hardy delivered an impressive performance off the bench, contributing 22 points with efficient shooting—making 7 of his 12 field goal attempts, including an impressive 5 of 6 from beyond the arc. His rapid succession of three-pointers in the third quarter during a 17-0 run was pivotal, sparking a decisive change in the game’s dynamics and reinforcing the positive impact of his recent contract extension.

 

Dominance from Deep

The Mavericks’ three-point shooting stood out as a major factor. Dallas connected on 11 of 23 attempts, translating to nearly 48% from deep, a striking contrast to Orlando’s 5 of 30, which resulted in just 16.7%. This significant disparity from long range played a central role in shaping the game and underscored the Mavericks’ strategic advantage in catch-and-shoot situations.

 

Balancing Offenses

While Anthony Davis made his return by contributing 15 points and seven rebounds, his impact was limited on defense against key Magic players. Paolo Banchero delivered a strong performance for Orlando, scoring 35 points on 13 attempts. In addition, Orlando saw three other players reach double digits with 20, 14, and 12 points respectively. However, the remainder of the Magic’s lineup struggled, combining for only 11 points on 3 of 18 shooting, an offensive shortfall that ultimately hindered their ability to keep pace with Dallas.

 

Reflections on a Decisive Victory

This performance highlighted the importance of momentum shifts and the significant role of effective three-point shooting in modern basketball. The Mavericks’ ability to capitalize on their range and tighten defensive efforts during key periods underscored the multifaceted approach needed to secure wins. The game provided a glimpse into the Mavericks’ potential when both individual brilliance and collective strategy come together seamlessly.

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Dallas Mavericks forward-center Anthony Davis (3) drives to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Wendell Carter Jr. in the first quarter at Kia Center.

Dallas Mavericks forward-center Anthony Davis (3) drives to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Wendell Carter Jr. in the first quarter at Kia Center.

On Thursday evening, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Orlando Magic by a score of 101-92 (in Florida).

 

Anthony Davis finished the win with 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal while shooting 5/19 from the field and 1/5 from the three-point range in 29 minutes.

 

 

Mar 27, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward-center Anthony Davis (3) celebrates his three pointer against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Kia Center.

Many people reacted to his performance on social media.

 

“The Dallas Mavericks are now 3-0 when Anthony Davis plays.

 

The vibes are starting to shift.”

 

@All_Things_Mavs: “it’s nice to see Anthony Davis get knocked to the ground a couple times and pop back up just fine”

 

“Watching Anthony Davis in a Mavericks uniform is so strange. I miss him. 😭”

 

StatMuse: “The Dallas Mavericks are undefeated with Anthony Davis in the lineup.”

 

“The Mavs are undefeated in games Anthony Davis has played in.

 

And the Mavs are now back in the Play in.”

 

@SloHoopsFan: “Anthony Davis strugglee to score on Goga Bitadze.”

 

Christian Clark: “Anthony Davis having a tough go in his second game back after the long layoff. He’s got 6 points on 2-of-11 shooting at halftime in Orlando. Dallas has 43 points. Just 17 of 39 from the field and 2 of 9 on 3s.”

 

Mavs Nation: “Anthony Davis gets the much needed bucket to fall 🪣”

 

The Mavs improved to 36-38 in 74 games, which has them as the ninth seed in the Western Conference.

 

They have gone 4-6 over their last ten.

 

Following the Magic, the Mavs will now visit the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.

 

 

 

The Dallas Mavericks are in a critical stretch as they chase a coveted spot in the Play-In Tournament with nine games remaining. A hard-fought battle against the Orlando Magic promises to be crucial in their quest to distance themselves from their closest competitors. This game marks the third stop on a challenging four-game road trip that tests the Mavericks’ resilience and focus as the regular season nears its climax.

 

Testing the Mavericks’ Resolve

Recent performances have exposed some vulnerabilities for Dallas. A split in back-to-back encounters in New York highlighted fatigue in the later stages of games, especially during a matchup where the team struggled in the second half. Despite these challenges, standout efforts, such as a career-high 38-point game from Naji Marshall, instilled hope as they demonstrated the individual talent that can shift the momentum in crucial moments.

 

Orlando Magic’s Offensive Rebirth

The Orlando Magic are emerging from a difficult period with a notable resurgence on the offensive end. A string of impressive victories, including hard-fought wins over teams like Washington, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, underlines their current momentum. The Magic’s offense, which has shown signs of life in recent contests, is now averaging over 112 points in the last series of matchups. Contributions from key players, with combined efforts totaling a significant offensive output in recent contests, have been central to this revival.

 

Defensive Considerations and Key Returns

A potential return for a major defensive presence could influence the dynamics of the upcoming clash. The possible re-entry of a dominant interior defender adds an extra layer of strategic complexity for the Magic, particularly when facing pivotal scorers. Previous encounters have shown that when this defensive force is active, it can alter the balance of play, making life difficult for opponents trying to exploit the paint.

 

Setting the Stage for a Pivotal Clash

The matchup is set to take place at the designated arena in Orlando, where both teams will seek to assert their dominance. While Dallas previously secured a victory in a season opener against this opponent, adjustments have been made on both sides since then. With individual talents and tactical shifts in play, this game carries significant weight in the final stretch of the season, adding another chapter to a hard-fought narrative on the road to postseason opportunities.

 

 

 

 

Pistons Mavericks Basketball

Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis, center, in street clothes due to an injury, looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Dallas, Texas.

 

 

An injured Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis, right, looks on from the sidelines with forward P.J. Washington (25) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Dallas, Sunday, March 16, 2025.

 

LM Otero – AP

Mavericks Nets Basketball

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) warms up before the NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Monday, March 24, 2025, in New York.

 

Angelina Katsanis – FR172095 AP

NEW YORK (AP) — Anthony Davis could not help but grin.

 

A moment earlier, the 10-time All-Star cut baseline and accepted a pass from P.J. Washington before throwing down a two-handed dunk for the first points in what would be a 120-101 win for his Dallas Mavericks over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night.

 

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

 

Former Sixers forward Marcus Morris has a strong opinion about the Lakers-Mavericks blockbuster deal.

 

Nov 15, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles as LA Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. (8) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center.

Nov 15, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles as LA Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. (8) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center.

Months after trading away Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks are still catching heat for their decision to cut ties with their young franchise player.

 

Former Philadelphia 76ers forward Marcus Morris recently touched on the trade, speaking from a player’s standpoint on how he is uncomfortable with the way the post-trade narratives played out due to the whispers coming out of Dallas regarding the young star.

 

“When I see Michael Finley take that beer out of his hand … As a player, I didn’t like how that looked,” Morris said on The Kevin O’Connor Show.

 

Marcus Morris and Luka Donci

Jan 22, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket past LA Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. (8) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center.

“We just won, we’re celebrating, I have a beer, there’s cameras, and you kind of take that away from me, it’s almost like you’re trying to hint at something, right? As a player at that stature, I didn’t agree with that. I didn’t agree with how they tried to paint that picture.”

 

Morris referred to a popular clip that was taken of Doncic after the Mavericks won the Western Conference Finals. While it was a laughing point for NBA fans nearly one year ago, it ended up becoming a tactic to justify the trade. Morris suggested the viral clip is helping the Mavericks “paint the picture” that Doncic has a “drinking problem” since the trade went down.

 

“He was injured—a lot of players get injured all of the time. A lot of players take a long time to come back. His production level is through the roof,” the NBA veteran continued.

 

“How do you sum up, ‘Okay, it’s time to trade this guy.’ How did that come to your mind? Then, not only that you trade him—you trade him to the Los Angeles Lakers. A team that you have to see every year, four times a year, in the playoffs. What do you think is going to happen when he goes to the Lakers? He’s going to be Luka Doncic 2.0! He’s going to kill!”

 

Although Morris bounced around the NBA during his time in uniform, he never crossed paths as teammates with Doncic. However, he still has ties to the young star, as Markieff Morris played in Dallas with Doncic and went to Los Angeles with him as a part of the blockbuster trade.

 

Based on what Marcus Morris sees and knows, he’s clearly a big fan of Doncic, who has been an NBA star since he entered the NBA in 2018-2019.

 

 

 

The Dallas Mavericks are possibly in the midst of one of the most confusing seasons in franchise and sports history. A slew of untimely injuries and questionable trades have put the Dallas Mavericks in a tight spot ahead of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

 

With Anthony Davis healthy, the team may be good enough to make a play-in push and continue to stay competitive. On the other hand, the team could shut down Davis for the remainder of the season and enter the offseason with a blank slate.

 

Either way, Dallas will have plenty to work on this offseason and it may start with a complete roster shakeup as the team’s future is uncertain.

 

Kevin Durant is at the top of many headlines after things have gone sour since joining the Phoenix Suns. Durant would no doubt make any game a must-watch, and the Mavericks’ name has been tossed around in recent trade rumors regarding the future Hall of Famer, and this is a move many fans are hoping won’t happen.

 

Mavericks’ true feelings about a trade for Kevin Durant revealed

Through the closing days of the trade deadline, Durant and Dallas had been in rumors for a few days before talks were shut down. Durant is now in a situation as a Sun where he will likely be traded over the summer and Dallas may be a destination he is eyeing for a story book ending to his career.

 

Durant would no doubt make Dallas a must-watch team and give them an incredible big three, but NBA insider Marc Stein was quick to shut down those talks (subscription required) in a recent article on “The Stein Line.”

 

“Dallas has repeatedly been described as a potential Durant suitor, before the deadline and since, but I continue to hear that reports of interest have been overstated, ” Stein wrote. “The Mavericks, based on my best read, are not currently planning for a three-star construction.”

 

Stein never said that Dallas didn’t show interest in Durant, but he makes it clear that what was reported at the trade deadline was a little over the top.

 

To some fans, this may be yet another head scratching decision the Mavericks have decided on, considering Durant will no doubt be a Hall of Famer, and his addition in Dallas would make for an insane three-star lineup: However, to many fans, Durant’s addition would create yet another disappointing trio.

 

Durant has now been a part of two disappointing three-star squads that failed to make an impact on the biggest stage. His first was with Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn, where the two seemingly couldn’t get on the floor at the same time as injuries and off-court issues piled up.

 

Durant’s addition would not only stranglehold the Mavericks for the foreseeable future, but the 36-year-old only adds more uncertainty to an aging core. Durant’s age and asking price should be enough for Dallas to put a halt on any wishes they may have about getting him, as they would have to give up multiple first-round picks and a young player.

 

It’s unclear how much of a chance the Mavericks had at the trade deadline to acquire Durant, but fans should be excited that Dallas is seeming to pivot away from rumors on the aging star. Durant would give the Mavericks much needed attention from the fanbase, but the long term effects may not be worth it.

 

 

 

Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison walks on to the court before the game between the Dallas and the Sacramento Kings at the American Airlines Center.

 

Nico Harrison didn’t want to draw too much attention to himself at the American Airlines Center, watching the Mavericks from the tunnel.

 

Nico Harrison is far from a popular man among Dallas Mavericks fans. The GM has been under fire from the fanbase after controversially trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. And it appeared at tonight’s game against the Phoenix Suns, Harrison was feeling the heat, as he opted to watch the game discreetly from the tunnel, away from the eyes of the fans.

 

Nico Harrison has been subjected to a lot of criticism recently after choosing to trade Luka Doncic. It’s a decision that confused, upset, and angered the Mavericks’ fanbase. In the early days after the trade, fans brought several signs and even a casket to the American Airlines Center to signify what they felt was the death of their fandom.

 

Harrison was subjected to death threats after the trade, which is unacceptable under any circumstances. The Mavericks have begun to crack down on any criticism against their GM, with one fan getting kicked out of the arena for mouthing ‘Fire Nico Harrison’ on the jumbo-screen during a game.

 

The big question that is yet to officially be answered in a satisfying way is – why did the Mavericks trade Luka Doncic? Allegedly, Harrison didn’t want the franchise to revolve around the Slovenian superstar anymore. He also had a problem with Luka’s habits off the court, specifically his drinking and Hookah smoking.

 

The former Nike executive has also been mocked by other NBA fans, as Lakers fans at the Crypto.com Arena chanted ‘Thank You, Nico’ during their game against the Mavericks. Regardless of the reasons he has given, the GM’s explanations have not sat well with fans, as many still wonder if there is another reason at play for the trade.

 

The Mavericks have suffered greatly since the trade took place. Anthony Davis, the superstar they landed in return for Luka Doncic, got injured almost immediately in his first game for the team. His knock started what has become an injury epidemic within the locker room, with Kyrie Irving’s season-ending ACL tear being the worst injury so far.

 

The team has gone 6-10 since trading Luka. On the other side, the Los Angeles Lakers have been flying high since landing the superstar, going 12-3. So far, it is clear that the Lakers are winning this trade. As for the Mavericks, serious questions have been asked about whether Harrison should keep his job.

 

For now, Nico’s job is safe, as the Mavs’ ownership has no plans to fire him at the end of this season. However, if things don’t turn around or improve next season, his job security could be in jeopardy. Keep an eye out for Harrison to make a big splash in the offseason to land a big star to improve the team.

 

Every Disastrous Trade From Nico Harrison Worst GM In NBA History