Mavs 123, Nets 114: Balanced attack lifts Mavericks over Nets for first back-to-back wins since January

While the Mavs have struggled this season, the Brooklyn Nets have been even worse.

Dallas entered Tuesday’s game 1-4 on its six-game road trip and 1-9 in its last 10 games overall. The last time the Mavericks beat the Nets, rookie Cooper Flagg scored 27 points. But with Flagg missing his fourth straight game due to a left midfoot sprain, a road loss in Brooklyn seemed likely.

Wrong.

Six Mavericks scored in double figures to lead Dallas to a 123-114 win over Brooklyn.

With the victory, the Mavericks secured their first two-game winning streak since late January. Dallas swept the season series against Brooklyn, winning all three meetings. The cross-conference teams faced off three times this season due to both being eliminated early from the NBA’s play-in tournament.

Marvin Bagley III continued his strong play since being traded to Dallas, scoring 22 points. Khris Middleton, who had 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in his previous outing, was ruled out in the second quarter with a right shoulder stinger.

Brandon Williams hit a long midrange jumper in the fourth quarter to give him 19 points. He also added 10 assists. Naji Marshall had 21 points, five rebounds and seven assists, while playing in his point-forward role.

With the Nets mounting a comeback, Klay Thompson — who finished with 17 points — knocked down a 30-foot 3-pointer that forced Brooklyn coach Jordi Fernandez to call an immediate timeout. Michael Porter Jr. added 26 points, while Noah Clowney contributed 22.

The Mavericks return to American Airlines Center on Thursday to host the Sacramento Kings.