The Dallas Mavericks kicked off 2026 with high hopes as they faced the Philadelphia 76ers, looking to break a three-game losing streak. Unfortunately for Dallas fans, the night ended in disappointment, with the Mavericks suffering a definitive 123-108 loss to the 76ers, extending their losing streak.
In this matchup, several players had mixed performances, reflecting the team’s overall struggle.
Ryan Nembhard was relatively quiet during the game, scoring 9 points, along with 2 rebounds and 3 assists in 22 minutes. Although he hit a couple of key shots early, including a crucial three-pointer in the second quarter, his overall contributions were overshadowed by two turnovers.
Max Christie stood out as the brightest spot for Dallas, earning a solid grade with 18 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists in 29 minutes. Following an impressive 25-point outing in his last game, Christie continued to show promise with effective drives and post-ups, proving he can do more than just shoot from beyond the arc.
Cooper Flagg put up 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists over 37 minutes. Despite his sometimes challenging night with shooting (5-for-15), Flagg managed to positively impact the game, though he faced significant defensive pressure, particularly after the return of Anthony Davis from injury.
P.J. Washington and Anthony Davis both struggled and received below-average grades. Washington contributed 11 points and 5 rebounds but struggled with turnovers and fouls, while Davis, despite scoring 13 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, appeared slow and ineffective, particularly on defense.
Daniel Gafford, with limited playtime, made the most of it by scoring 8 points and securing 5 rebounds in just 11 minutes of action, showcasing efficiency during his brief stint on the court. Brandon Williams also performed decently off the bench with 14 points, though he dealt with shooting inconsistencies.
Naji Marshall had a modest performance, contributing 9 points but failed to make a significant impact as the team sought momentum throughout the game.
The Mavericks did show some engagement early on, attempting to shake off a lackluster start that has plagued them in previous games. However, their defensive efforts waned as the game progressed, ultimately leading to their continued struggles as they start the new year.
As the Mavericks regroup and reflect, there’s hope that they will channel this disappointment into improvement in the upcoming games. Fans can stay connected with the latest developments and discussions surrounding the team by following Mavs Moneyball and subscribing to the Pod Maverick podcast.