Key Takeaways:
- Cooper Flagg delivered 23 points and 10 rebounds as Dallas triumphed 116-114 in overtime against Detroit
- Cade Cunningham recorded 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists for the Pistons
- Anthony Davis returned from injury to contribute 15 points, including a decisive dunk in overtime, after missing the Mavericks’ previous fixture
Match Overview
The Dallas Mavericks secured a 116-114 victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons in a tense overtime encounter on Thursday night at home, clawing back after letting an 18-point cushion slip away in the third quarter. Cooper Flagg showcased his rising stardom, registering 23 points with 10 rebounds, while Anthony Davis made a vital contribution of 15 points on his return from injury.
MAVS WIN!!!@CHIME // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/faeiWn65vg
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 19, 2025
Key Moments in Overtime
An alley-oop connection from Flagg enabled Davis to put Dallas ahead 114-112 with only 3:10 left on the overtime clock. Cade Cunningham, who remained one assist shy of his third triple-double of the campaign, tied the score on a bank shot with 1:49 remaining. Davis then smashed home a decisive dunk with 1:32 on the clock, which ultimately became the game’s final points.
In the closing moments, Cunningham’s floater with seven seconds on the clock failed to hit the mark – he went just 2 for 7 in overtime. Jalen Duren collected the rebound and attempted a put-back, but missed underneath, allowing Davis to secure a crucial rebound with just 0.9 seconds to play, sealing the Mavericks’ win.
Pivotal Player Performances
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Flagg | Dallas Mavericks | 23 | 10 | 4 | Averaging 25.4 points over last 8 games |
| Anthony Davis | Dallas Mavericks | 15 | 14 | 2 | Scored decisive dunk, returned after missing previous game |
| Cade Cunningham | Detroit Pistons | 29 | 10 | 9 | Missed final shot in OT |
| Jalen Duren | Detroit Pistons | 17 | 13 | 1 | Key rebound in final seconds |
Team Statistics and Incidents
The Pistons outperformed Dallas significantly on second-chance opportunities, compiling a 30-15 advantage in second-chance points off 25 offensive rebounds. However, their shooting from distance was their undoing, as Detroit recorded a season-low 18.2% on three-point attempts, converting only 6 of 33.
Disciplinary issues impacted Detroit: Ausar Thompson was ejected late in the first half after contesting a foul and making contact with an official. Duncan Robinson exited early in the third period after suffering a knee injury. Additionally, Cade Cunningham was assessed a technical foul in the final minute of the first half, and coach J.B. Bickerstaff received a technical as the side left for halftime.
For the Mavericks, Anthony Davis overcame a left calf contusion that kept him out of the prior match, ultimately finishing 7 for 18 from the field despite missing his first eight attempts.
Absentees and Next Fixtures
Prior to tip-off, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd confirmed there is still no clear timeline for Kyrie Irving’s return following ACL surgery last March, stating: “In another month, we’ll give you an update,” Kidd said.
The Pistons are set to host Charlotte on Saturday, while Dallas travel to face Philadelphia on Saturday.
