Home NBA Dallas Mavericks Slide Past The San Antonio Spurs 109-108

Dallas Mavericks Slide Past The San Antonio Spurs 109-108

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Photo Credit:Billy Calzada/Staff Photographer

San Antonio, TX — The Dallas Mavericks defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 109-108. Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 31 points and ten boards for the Mavericks, while Luka Doncic chipped in 23 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists in the win. Dejounte Murray scored 23 points, nine rebounds and eight assists for the Spurs. The Mavericks improve their record to 5-3 on the season, while the Spurs fall to 2-6.

Second-year forward Devin Vassell put on a show for the Spurs. Vassell has been a catalyst off the bench on most nights, and he played big again against San Antonio, scoring a career high 21 points.

Coming off a 125-110 loss to the Heat on Tuesday Night, the Mavericks outscored the Spurs 28-25 in the final quarter to avoid its third loss in four games.

“You can always use the excuse that you’re tired,” Brunson said. “It’s back-to-back. You’ve got another game tomorrow or whenever. You’ve got to fight through it. Teams that can win games like this can win games when it counts past April.”

Dallas went on a 17-4 to open the quarter with Tim Hardaway Jr. leading the way, who did a little bit of everything: But Dallas got sloppy with ball and they let the Spurs creep their way back to within two points despite being up 12 at one point. A Hardaway Jr. rim rocker and five quick points from Brunson helped the Mavericks re-take the lead down the stretch.The Mavericks led 59-58 after a half of basketball after a sloppy half of basketball by both teams.

“Being able to play with pace, getting into the offense a little bit quicker gave us the advantage,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “On a back-to-back, sometimes that’s hard to do, but I thought the guys looked to score after the steal.”

Photo Credit:Billy Calzada/Staff Photographer

Brunson gave the Mavericks a 101-96 lead with three minutes remaining by scoring five points in 32 seconds, including a three-point play. After San Antonio trimmed the lead to 103-102, Brunson hit a difficult step-back, 13-foot jumper and two free throws in the final 30 seconds.

“Brunson was a killer again,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “In both games, he was the difference. He plays really smart, is a tough kid, he is skilled, and in the fourth quarter, he got us both times.”

The were lead by Brunson in the fourth quarter. He pushed the tempo in the quarter and made every play imaginable to keep the Spurs at bay points.

The Mavericks clinched its three-game set against the Spurs, also defeating the visiting Spurs 104-99 on Oct. 28.

Hardaway Jr. added 23 points for the Mavericks.

The Mavericks were without Kristaps Porzingis and Maxi Kleber.

San Antonio was without starting center Jakon Poeltl, who missed the game due to the league’s health and safety protocols. There was no update given on his status.

UP NEXT:

Mavericks: Host Boston on Saturday.

Spurs: At Orlando on Friday.