Key Takeaways:
- Dallas snapped a seven-game road losing streak with a 100-98 win against Sacramento
- Brandon Williams delivered the decisive three-pointer with 33.9 seconds remaining
- The Kings suffered their sixth consecutive defeat and have not won since 27 December
Match Recap
In Sacramento on Tuesday night, the Dallas Mavericks overturned a 12-point halftime deficit to secure a tight 100-98 victory over the Kings, halting a seven-game slide away from home. Brandon Williams produced the defining moment, sinking a three-pointer with 33.9 seconds left to put Dallas ahead after they had trailed 98-97.
MAVS WIN!!!@Chime // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/kvuxroVnnL
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 7, 2026
Key Performers and Statistics
Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with 20 points, while Williams concluded the evening with 18. Anthony Davis contributed a vital double-double, finishing with 19 points and 16 rebounds. Naji Marshall also made an impact, adding 15 points, and Daniel Gafford secured 13 rebounds for Dallas.
For Sacramento, DeMar DeRozan was the leading scorer, registering 21 points. Zach LaVine, returning after a nine-game absence due to a left ankle sprain, managed 20 points while Maxime Reynaud added 14.
| Team | Top Scorer | Rebounds Leader | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | Cooper Flagg (20) | Anthony Davis (16) | 100 |
| Sacramento Kings | DeMar DeRozan (21) | Precious Achiuwa, Maxime Raynoud, Dylan Cardwell (9) | 98 |
Game Progression and Turning Points
The Kings initially looked strong, entering halftime ahead 58-46. However, Dallas fought back, reducing the deficit to just two points by the end of the third quarter with the score at 78-76. The Mavericks turned the tide over the final two periods, outscoring Sacramento by 14.
After Williams’ late three-pointer established a 100-98 lead, the Kings had multiple attempts to reclaim control. Dennis Schroder, Russell Westbrook, and DeMar DeRozan each missed from beyond the arc in the closing seconds, sealing Sacramento’s sixth straight loss. The Kings’ most recent victory came on 27 December, also against Dallas. With a record of 8-29, Sacramento currently holds the second-worst standing in the Western Conference.
Absences and Next Fixtures
LaVine’s return was offset by the absence of forward Keegan Murray, who is sidelined with a left ankle sprain suffered in Sunday’s fixture against the Milwaukee Bucks. Murray is expected to be reevaluated in three to four weeks, having already missed the campaign’s opening matches with a thumb injury.
Dallas will continue their road trip on Thursday night when they visit Utah. Sacramento are set to face Golden State on Friday night.
