42-pointer Kyrie Irving steals the show

Kyrie Irving delivered a 42-point performance, including a crucial defensive stand, as the Dallas Mavericks held off the Golden State Warriors 111-107 on Wednesday night.

Klay Thompson contributed 17 points against his former team, while Max Christie stepped up in his first start for Dallas.

The Mavericks, missing multiple big men due to injuries, relied on a small-ball lineup, with Kessler Edwards and Olivier-Maxence Prosper as their tallest starters at 6-foot-8.

Despite being outrebounded by 11 and allowing 18 offensive rebounds, Dallas found a way to win.

Key Moments:

• Decisive Floater: Naji Marshall sank a 6-foot floater with 25.6 seconds left to put Dallas ahead 109-107 after Stephen Curry missed a free throw, a rare miss for the NBA’s top free-throw shooter (93.1%).
• Crucial Charge: Jimmy Butler’s potential game-tying layup was ruled an offensive foul on Irving, a call upheld after video review.
• Sealing the Win: Max Christie hit two free throws with 10.4 seconds left to give the Mavericks a four-point cushion.

By the Numbers:

• 40+ Points and Minutes for Irving: The 32-year-old played 40 minutes for the fifth straight game, continuing his heavy workload post-trade deadline.
• Six Straight 15+ Point Games for Christie: The former Lakers guard has quickly become a key contributor for Dallas, scoring 17 points in his first start.
• 33 Second-Chance Points for Golden State: The Warriors dominated the offensive glass, capitalizing on Dallas’ lack of size in the paint.

The Mavericks, still adjusting after trading Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, await the return of Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Dwight Powell to bolster their frontcourt.

Until then, Irving and the undersized Mavericks will look to keep their momentum going.