Mavericks Edge Past Pelicans in Thrilling 111-103 Victory

DALLAS, TEXAS — The Dallas Mavericks continued their winning momentum with a hard-fought 111-103 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on February 21, 2025. This win marks their third consecutive victory and improves their record to five wins in their last six games.

Naji Marshall, playing as a small forward for the Mavericks, showcased his skills with a double-double, contributing 15 points and leading the game with 10 rebounds in just 24 minutes on the court. His performance was pivotal in helping Dallas secure the eight-point win over his former team.

Marshall’s effective play helped the Mavericks extend their lead, especially in the final quarter. The team shot an impressive 43% from the field and successfully converted 16 of 44 three-point attempts, demonstrating strong shooting prowess. This marks the 21st time this season the Mavericks have made at least 15 three-pointers, improving their record to 16-5 in those scenarios.

Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with a remarkable 35 points, alongside four assists and a block, tying Michael Finley for fifth-most 35-point games in franchise history with 19. His crucial three-pointer with under a minute remaining sealed the win for Dallas. “We played tough and made the right plays when it mattered,” Irving said post-game.

P.J. Washington Jr. and Max Christie also played significant roles, scoring 24 points and 16 points, respectively. Washington added seven rebounds and showcased his scoring ability, while Christie’s 6-of-7 shooting performance extended his streak of 15-plus point games to eight, a strong start in his Mavericks career.

The Pelicans attempted to make a comeback led by Zion Williamson, who scored a game-high 29 points, but Dallas maintained control of the game. Jose Alvarado contributed with a season-high seven rebounds, but New Orleans couldn’t manage to close the gap effectively.

Despite a valiant effort, the Pelicans fell short, reflecting the Mavericks’ solid defensive strategy, as they improved to 13-1 this season when holding opponents to under 105 points. The Mavs will look to continue their strong performance into the next games as they pursue a playoff spot.