The Dallas Mavericks edged past the New Orleans Pelicans in a nail-biting 137-136 contest that showcased exceptional individual performances and clutch decision-making. This high-intensity clash featured standout stat lines from P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Trey Murphy III, and Zion Williamson. Below is a full breakdown of the Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats, quarter-by-quarter dynamics, and the key moments that determined the outcome.
Dallas Mavericks Vs New Orleans Pelicans: Game Recap
Basketball fans were treated to one of the most thrilling games of the season as the Dallas Mavericks hosted the New Orleans Pelicans in a high-scoring Western Conference showdown. With playoff implications looming, both teams brought energy and tactical sharpness to the court. The game, which ended 137-136 in favor of Dallas, featured several momentum shifts, jaw-dropping plays, and standout individual displays.
Dallas Mavericks VS New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats
Key Players Of The Dallas Mavericks
P.J. Washington had arguably his most complete game of the season, registering a double-double with 25 points and 14 rebounds. His physical presence on the boards and consistent mid-range shooting gave Dallas much-needed balance on both ends.
Daniel Gafford was equally impressive, scoring 22 points on a perfect 9-of-9 shooting while grabbing 12 rebounds and adding 4 blocks, anchoring the paint defensively. His efficiency and timing altered several Pelicans attempts inside. Here’s a look at the Mavericks’ top performers:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3P% | BLK | +/- |
| P.J. Washington | 25 | 14 | 8 | 50.0% | 57.1% | 1 | -3 |
| Daniel Gafford | 22 | 12 | 3 | 100% | N/A | 4 | +8 |
| Kyrie Irving | 25 | 9 | 6 | 47.6% | 33.3% | 0 | +2 |
| Klay Thompson | 20 | 4 | 1 | 46.7% | 54.5% | 0 | +7 |
Key Players Of The New Orleans Pelicans
Trey Murphy III stood out for New Orleans with a game-high 32 points, shooting 76.5% from the field and 55.6% from three-point range. His shot selection and confidence kept the Pelicans in contention late into the fourth. Zion Williamson, always a tough matchup, tallied 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, using his strength and quickness to dominate the inside game. His impact was particularly felt in transition and during late-game isolation plays. Pelicans’ key stat lines:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3P% | STL | +/- |
| Trey Murphy III | 32 | 6 | 4 | 76.5% | 55.6% | 1 | 0 |
| Zion Williamson | 29 | 6 | 7 | 61.1% | 0.0% | 2 | +7 |
| CJ McCollum | 23 | 3 | 8 | 42.9% | 42.9% | 1 | +11 |
| Dejounte Murray | 27 | 5 | 6 | 52.9% | 42.9% | 0 | +6 |
Dallas Mavericks & New Orleans Pelicans: Team Comparison
| Stat Category | Mavericks | Pelicans |
| Field Goal % | 54.2% | 53.1% |
| 3-Point % | 46.5% | 48.4% |
| Total Rebounds | 51 | 36 |
| Assists | 30 | 31 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 8 |
| Free Throw % | 76.5% | 86.4% |
Dallas dominated the glass and had more assists, but their higher turnover count almost cost them the game. Meanwhile, New Orleans stayed efficient from the free-throw line and three-point arc but struggled to gain second-chance points due to their rebounding gap.
Bench Impact & Rotations
While the starters carried most of the scoring load, role players made key contributions:
- Quentin Grimes scored 17 points in 20 minutes, shooting 60% from three.
- Jose Alvarado gave the Pelicans a boost with 11 points in 15 minutes.
- Brandon Boston chipped in with 12 points, though his -12 plus/minus reflected defensive struggles.
- The rotations from both teams indicated a playoff-style intensity, with minimal rest for key players and strategic usage of timeouts to preserve energy during crucial possessions.
Clutch Time Breakdown
With under two minutes remaining, the Mavericks led by just one point. A critical free throw from Spencer Dinwiddie and a missed final shot by CJ McCollum sealed the win for Dallas. Despite New Orleans’ late run and defensive stops, Dallas executed more cleanly in the clutch.
Final Thoughts
This matchup was a showcase of elite talent, strategic adjustments, and high-octane offense. The Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats tell a story of minimal separation between two well-matched squads. Washington and Gafford’s interior dominance, combined with Irving’s leadership, proved just enough to overcome the Pelicans’ balanced scoring attack. Dallas showed they can win without Luka Dončić, while New Orleans’ depth and scoring variety indicate a dangerous team when fully healthy.
