The Dallas Mavericks held off the L.A. Lakers 134-128 on Sunday thanks to the continuation of Cooper Flagg‘s hot streak.
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Flagg opened the game on a heater, pouring in 19 points in a first quarter that saw Dallas take an 11-point advantage. The Lakers were shorthanded with the absence of both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
LeBron James took control for L.A. and shouldered most of the scoring load as he rattled off nine straight points in the second quarter. Some timely stops helped the Lakers outscore the Mavericks by five in the second quarter.
Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton also had solids first-half outings to keep the game close.
The Mavericks retook control in the third quarter, playing steady defense and knocking down a few timely threes. As James cooled off in the third, Flagg kept rolling.
After three quarters, the Mavericks were ahead by 10.
The fourth quarter got off to a slow start for both sides before L.A. pulled within five points with less than nine minutes to play. P.J. Washington responded with a few quick buckets to regain momentum. That’s when Flagg sank a beautiful fadeaway to extend the lead back to double-digits with less than four minutes to play.
James and the Lakers did their best to come back, but the Mavericks maintained their distance with clutch free throw shooting for the victory.
Flagg finished the night with a game-high 45 points to go along with eight rebounds and nine assists.
James led the way for the Lakers with 30 points, nine rebounds and 15 assists.
James Parker contributed to this story.
