The Association: Dallas Mavericks

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Simmons' phenomenal performance bounces Dallas back

December 13, 2025 | by NBA News

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Ben Simmons' fingerprints were all over the place in this one as he did it on both ends of the floor, racking up 27 points, 16 rebounds, 9 assists and 5 blocks, to lead the Mavericks to a 109-97 victory in a rematch of last year's Western Conference Finals against the Thunder.

Simmons almost went perfect, shooting 10/11 from the field, while the Mavericks also found their range, knocking down 8/19 from the three-point line after their awful shooting display in the previous game against the Clippers.

Meanwhile, despite scoring in double-digits this time around, Matthew Holland continued to struggle against the Mavs, shooting just 9/28 from the field and committing 4 turnovers.

With the win, the Mavericks are now back on track with a 2-2 record as they look to face the Pelicans back at home on January 10.

In other news, rookie, Clayton Karnowski, was listed on the injury report after further MRI results ruled him with a torn right MCL that he suffered during practice. He is expected to be sidelined for the next 2 months.

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Mavericks hang on to escape victory

January 10, 2026 | by NBA News

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Despite leading for the majority of the game, the Mavericks almost blew it in the final moments of the game thanks to a series of costly turnovers and missed free throws. In fact, Dallas missed 5 straight freebies, giving the Pelicans a chance to tie the game with the last play.

Fortunately for the Mavs, Buddy Hield couldn't find the bucket as they escaped with a 101-97 win.

John Wall led with a season-high 26 points and 8 assists, while Paul George also dropped a season-high with 26 points. Meanwhile, Ben Simmons continues to flourish with his new team, racking up 20 points, 13 rebounds and 7 dimes.

After the game, Wall spoke with reporters, citing that the team cohesion is starting to gel. "Yeah, we're starting to click now. I think the break that we had the last few weeks gave us a chance to really mesh. We practiced every day, and I think Ben is starting to learn where the guys' tendencies, you know, understanding their sweet spots and all."

The game also marked Wenyen Gabriel's return back in Dallas where he was greeted with a standing ovation from the crowd after receiving his championship ring for last season. Unfortunately, Gabriel's night was short-lived as he fouled out of the game during the third quarter with just 5 points in 13 minutes of action.

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Nuggets outlast Maverick to win 124-122

January 16, 2026 | by NBA News

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In a game where there was very little defense being played, it was Denver that came out on top in a scoring fest.

The Nuggets collectively took care of the ball extremely well, committing just 5 turnovers in the game while also knocking down 85% of their shots from free throw.

Despite missing Jimmy Butler due to a calf injury, it did not deter them with Isaac Bishop picking up the slack and scoring a team-high, 28 points, along with 9 assists. Both DeAndre Ayton and Nikola Jokic dominated in the paint, combining for 44 points and 25 rebounds.

As for Dallas, consistency continues to be a key issue for them with just 68% makes from the charity stripe on 37 attempts. Ben Simmons led with 35 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists.

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Mavericks edge past Rockets in Texas showdown

January 27, 2026 | by NBA News

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Dallas got off to a strong start, leading the Rockets after the first quarter by 10 points. However, thanks to the performance of Thon Maker, the Rockets slowly clawed their way back within striking distance.

Maker finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds but it wasn't enough as Dallas withstood the firepower, winning 106-99. James Harden, once again, was invisible, scoring just 3 points and only taking 5 attempts for the whole game. Conversely, there has been a strong following in social media, with many tweets labeling the Mavs as kryptonite to Harden.

Meanwhile, Ben Simmons stuffed the stat sheet, scoring 27 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals and 4 blocks.

With the All-Star weekend looming, Simmons is on path to start for the West. However, after the game, Simmons appeared to be more concerned on other matters. "Man I ain't even thinking about the All-Star break. It's not time for that yet. We got a lot of work to do. We're 4-3 right now and what matters to me right now is getting better and focusing on winning. We need to be more consistent and string together some wins."

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Kings suffer seventh straight loss, remain win-less

February 9, 2026 | by NBA News

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Days after appointing Fred Hoiberg as their new head coach, things did not get any better for Sacramento, losing their seventh consecutive game of the season.

Although putting up a valiant effort, Sacramento was always playing catch up, with Dallas ultimately prevailing, 101-92.

Ben Simmons continued to lead the way with 23 points and 8 assists, while Bronx Johnson came up big off the bench, dropping 15 points and knocking all 9 attempts from the free throw line.

As for the Kings, things went from bad to worse for Emmanuel Mudiay, who lived up to his inefficiencies. Despite scoring 19 points and 10 assists, Mudiay shot just 1/10 from the three-point line as well as committing 8 turnovers.

During his post-game interview, former Kings player, DeMarcus Cousins did not hold back any remorse for his old team. "Man, I really feel for them. I really do. Back then everyone was pointing fingers at me, saying I was the problem, I was causing all this ruckus in the locker room. Now look where I am today and where they are, just saying."

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Mavericks late fourth quarter push carries them past the Lakers

February 16, 2026 | by NBA News

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It was until the final quarter, when Dallas went on a 30-14 run, that sparked them ti victory over the Lakers and record their third straight win.

The Mavericks played almost perfect defense down the stretch, limiting the Lakers to just 4/24 from downtown.

Ben Simmons recorded his first triple-double of the season with 18 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists. Meanwhile, DeMarcus Cousins posted a season-high 25 points, along with 11 rebounds, whilst Bronx Johnson continued his big leap this season, scoring 19 points and 6 rebounds. In fact, Johnson's improvement this year has seen him average almost twice his scoring compared to last season while playing near identical minutes.

It seems the switch to playing Johnson more at the power forward spot, something that Mavs coach, Rick Carlisle, picked up during the playoffs last year, has elevated his game even further this season. It comes at a perfect timing with Johnson set to become a restricted free agent this summer. One would expect plenty of suitors to offer the 23 year old a max contract.

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2026 NBA All-Stars Announced

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Ben Simmons and Dennis Smith Jr. will headline the NBA All Star Game, hosted in London on February 22, 2026. Both players were the highest vote-getters for their respective conference as per the fans, players, and media panel.

Leading Dallas to the 4th seed so far, Simmons is averaging career-highs across the board with 26.8 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 2.1 BPG and shooting a ridiculous 62.9% from the field.

Joining Simmons in the front-court will be Kawhi Leonard and Karl-Anthony Towns. Leonard, whom is averaging a career high in blocks this season with 2.1 per game, is carrying his Spurs to a 5-4 record so far. Meanwhile, Towns has his T'Wolves in third place in the West, averaging 19.5 PPG, 12.4 RPG and 2.9 BPG.

The West starting guards named were Stephen Curry and Matthew Holland. Unfortunately, Curry will be unavailable to play due to a shin injury suffered last week. He is expected to miss the next few weeks. As for Holland, he is currently averaging a ridiculous 3.9 steals a game, however, it hasn't all translated into success with the OKC Thunder posting a 3-5 record thus far.

Rounding out the West reserves will be Kevin Durant, Harry Giles, DeAndre Ayton, Axel Romero, Nikola Jokic, and first-timers, Isaac Bishop and Sherron Davis.

As for the East, despite headlining as the starter and having a great year by Dennis Smith Jr., his team hasn't seen much success, struggling so far at 3-6. Joining Smith in the back-court will be Kyrie Irving, whom will appear in his 12th All-Star appearance. Irving is averaging 28.6 PPG and 8.0 APG for the season.

For the East front-court, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Raymar Benjamin, and Lawrence Howard were named the starters. Antetokounmpo has his Bucks holding onto the second seed with a 5-3 record, while he is averaging 17 PPG, 8.4 RPG and 2.4 BPG. As for Benjamin, he continues to stuff the stat sheet with 15.4 PPG, 10 RPG and 6.2 APG. And sitting on top of the East, is Lawrence Howard, whom is leading his Hornets team with a 6-2 record and averaging 16.8 PPG, 11.9 RPG and an absurd 3.5 BPG.

Rounding out the East reserves will be Tyshawn Atkins, Russell Warner, Joel Embiid, and first-timers, Darnell Hardaway, Jarell Benson, Romeo Langford, and Julius Randle.

Stars

Starters: Rich Smart (CHIA0, Xavier Sirven (MIL), Lonnie Hendrix (HOU), Carlos Ramos (CHI), Esteban Cortez (NYK)
Reserves: Cameron Morrison (IND), Tre Johnson (PHX), Curtis Palmer (WAS), Alonoz Drew (LAC), Alexey Ortner (BKN)

Elites

Starters: Dani Beaubois (GSW), Bradley Toney (BKN), Louis Clancy (IND), Antwan Jefferies (LAL), Jaka Moore (SAC)
Reserves: J'Covan Kennedy (CLE), Barney Parker (MIA), Hariss Constantin (DET), Byron Stevens (LAL), Demetrius Peeler (MIA)

Participants
Tim Potter (CHA)
Russell Warner (BOS)
Kyrie Irving (CLE)
Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN)
Jarell Benson (CHA)
Denzel Valentine (BKN)



Participants
Zion Williamson (TOR)
Antwan Jefferies (LAL)
Tre Johnson (PHX)
Shareef O'Neal (MIL)

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2026 NBA All-Star Weekend Recap

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With the All-Star game played outside of North America for the first time, it was the East that prevailed the West, 109-91, in a lob-sided game.

Despite shooting just 6/19 from downtown, it was the big discrepancy in foul shooting that ultimately gave the East the upper hand, attempting 21 shots compared to 7 by the West.

Giannis Antetokounmpo took home the MVP honors, racking up 22 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists.

Meanwhile, Markelle Fultz was the leading scorer for the West with 16 points but struggled mightily, shooting just 6/16 from the field.

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The Rising Stars Challenge saw the Elites defeat the Stars, 102-97. Some good news for the Kings, with rookie center, Jaka Moore, receiving the MVP award after his dominating performance of 29 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks.

Meanwhile, Xavier Sirven led the Stars with 22 points and 11 assists.

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Winner: Tim Potter (CHA)

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Winner: Zion Williamson (TOR)

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Spurs efforts on the boards help snap Mavericks three-game winning streak

February 26, 2026 | by NBA News

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After a tightly contested first half where San Antonio led 42-40, the Spurs started to break away towards the end of the third quarter, holding the Mavericks scoreless for the final three minutes.

Marvin Bagley III paved the way, scoring a career-high 27 points, whilst also hauling down 16 rebounds and 3 blocks. The Spurs, in fact, did such an outstanding job on the glass, totaling 18 offensive boards, as well as forcing Dallas to commit 18 turnovers and shoot just 3/21 from the three-point line.

It seems the shooting guard position for the Mavs have been the weak link thus far this season. With Caris Levert, Steve Lever and Tim Hardaway Jr. all struggling in this one, going just 1/13 from the field, coach Rick Carlisle has got his hands full. Carlisle spoke with the press after the game about the struggles. "It's tough right now but I believe those guys will pull through. They're taking very make-able shots - shots they practice every day at the gym. I know we've been going through a carousel at the two position, but basically whoever has the hot hand will be on the floor. Nothing's set in stone. We've got no permanent rotation right now"

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Dallas gets a big road win in Minnesota

March 12, 2026 | by NBA News

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After committing 18 turnovers in their last game, the Mavericks did a much better job tonight taking care of the rock with just 7. In turn, it was a big reason for their 109-102 victory over the Timberwolves.

However, the Mavericks dodged a bullet during the second quarter when Ben Simmons exited the game with a rib injury. Thankfully, he would later return in the second half and appeared to have not missed a beat, finishing with 26 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists.

Meanwhile, Bronx Johnson continues to make serious strides for Sixth Man of the Year as well as Most Improved Player, posting a season-high 20 points, along with 7 rebounds and 2 blocks.

After the game, Mavs coach, Rick Carlisle, gave major praise to Johnson and his performance this season. "Well we knew Bronx was special from the moment we brought him in to work out for us during the Draft Combine. He's truly a Swiss army knife and his hard work during the summer has definitely paid off this season. We're so proud and thrilled but I think he can go another level still." It seems inevitable for Johnson to start in the near future after coming off the bench and being under the wings of Paul George, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and now, Ben Simmons.

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[trekfan]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Looks like Dallas is doing all right -- this team gets better as the year goes on, as the veterans get their rest and start really feeling it come playoff time. Their experience can't be underestimated and if Dallas makes the playoffs, they are the most dangerous team in the field no matter their position.

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Warriors woeful season continues as Mavericks crush them, 127-104

March 19, 2026 | by NBA News

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Despite heating up in a big way during the third quarter, Stephen Curry was on an island by himself as the Mavericks were simply too good for Golden State.

Curry dropped 37 points, hitting 7 triples, but that was all she wrote as the Mavericks clobbered the rest of the team, recording 11 steals and 14 blocks.

Ben Simmons, once again, triple-doubled with 22 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists, while Steve Lever finally had his shots go in, scoring 18 points on 6/7 shooting. The game also marked his second stint in the starting lineup, after coach Rick Carlisle promoted him over Caris LeVert, whom had been struggling for much of the season.

Another noteworthy performance was rookie big man, Clayton Karnowski, who was perfect from the field, piling 15 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks. Appearing in just his second game of the season, Karnowski clearly made the most of his opportunity, racking up career highs across the stat sheet. "I think he gives us a different dimension on the defensive end. I mean we watched him during his days in Gonzaga and he was a defensive juggernaut. We haven't had someone like that come off the bench since maybe A.J Hammons a few years back. Clay's a very hard worker, and it's been showing during practice. He keeps improving as the season goes on." It appears that Carlisle's statement in his post-game interview may suggest that Karnowski sticks to the rotation moving forward.

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Mavericks cruise past Trail Blazers, Simmons suffers broken nose

April 9, 2026 | by NBA News

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Not even a broken nose could slow Ben Simmons down, as he returned during the second quarter, after briefly exiting the game, to finish with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and guide Dallas past the Trail Blazers for a 24 point crushing. Dallas' strong third quarter proved to be the deciding factor, outscoring Portland 34-16.

Paul George was also extremely efficient in the win, scoring 22 points (8/13 from the field) whilst Bronx Johnson notched his first double-double of the season with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers struggled all night with their shots, making just 36%, with Damian Lillard and Kemba Walker combining for 11/39. Even worse, Lillard left early in the fourth quarter after rolling his ankle. Team doctors immediately ruled him out for the rest of the night as he appeared to have suffered a mild ankle sprain. And with Portland's record now at 5-8 and nothing left to play for, Lillard may have abruptly ended his season short.

As for Simmons' injury concerns, when asked during his post-game interview, he simply told reporters that he expects to play in Dallas' season finale against Utah. "Oh definitely. I feel fine right now. I mean, we're on a good run right now and I don't wanna break it."

The Mavericks will host the Jazz on April 13 for their regular season finale. With a 9-4 record, and currently holding the third seed, a win could potentially move them up to the second seed, depending on the outcome of the Clippers, whilst a loss could placed them as far down as the sixth seed.

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[PhxGuy91]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

I think this is one of the best dynasties on here. Good job making the Mavericks into an insane team!

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Despite resting star veterans, Mavericks hang on to edge past Jazz

April 13, 2026 | by NBA News

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Dallas gave a sneak preview of what their team may potentially look like after electing to rest star veterans, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Paul George.

Rolling with Ben Simmons, Bronx Johnson, Marcus Smart, Clayton Karnowski and Steve Lever as the starters, the Mavericks looked poised to victory after a comfortable 90-74 lead during the first three quarters. However, that all came sailing down as the Jazz made a ferocious comeback in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Mavs by 13 points.

Michael Porter Jr., whom went scoreless in the first half, was instrumental in the run, scoring all 24 points in the second half. Meanwhile, Axel Romero put up a huge double-double with 20 points and 19 rebounds.

Unfortunately, it wasn't enough with Dallas scraping by to win 116-113. Simmons led with another triple-double, racking up 29 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists, while Karnowski scored a career-high 21 points in his first start. Bronx Johnson also made his first start of the season, posting 21 points and 7 rebounds.

With the win, the Mavericks locked up the third seed in the West after the Clippers also won their game, thus placing them for the second seed. Coincidentally, the loss puts Utah into the sixth seed which means that tonight's game will be replayed again during the first-round of the Western Conference playoffs. Utah, however, will have their hands full with Dallas expecting to unload a full squad the next time they meet.

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