Key Takeaways:
- Dallas Mavericks secured a comprehensive 114-97 win over the New York Knicks, building a 30-point lead in the first half
- Cooper Flagg returned from injury to score 18 points and collect seven rebounds in his first professional contest at Madison Square Garden
- The Knicks suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, prompting boos from supporters as their recent slump continued despite returning to full strength
First-Half Blitz Propels Dallas Ahead
The Dallas Mavericks raced out of the blocks at Madison Square Garden, notching a dominant 16-4 opening run, and ultimately established a 31-22 advantage after the first quarter despite the New York Knicks missing all nine of their attempts from three-point range. Cooper Flagg, making his return from a left ankle sprain and featuring for the first time at the iconic venue, immediately made an impact by netting the team’s first seven points of the second quarter.
Three in a row! MAVS WIN!!!@Chime // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/Z6Y7Llqz98
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 20, 2026
A commanding 13-0 surge in that period catapulted Dallas into a 51-31 lead. Although Karl-Anthony Towns responded with five consecutive points for New York, he was shortly after called for a flagrant foul due to a kick to Dwight Powell during a shot attempt. Naji Marshall then registered nine points consecutively for Dallas, and Max Christie capped the affair with a three-pointer, stretching the lead to 30 at 75-45. Loud boos from the home crowd echoed as the Knicks left the court at halftime trailing 75-47.
Player Performances and Statistical Overview
Max Christie produced a season-high 26 points to pace the Mavericks for their third straight victory, performing alongside Naji Marshall, who contributed 18 points. Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, rounded out an impressive display with 18 points and seven rebounds. Despite multiple injuries limiting their rotation, Dallas controlled the contest throughout.
For the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns top scored with 22 points and pulled down 18 rebounds. Jalen Brunson, returning from an ankle injury, matched Towns with 22 points, while Mitchell Robinson produced a double-double of 12 points and 15 boards. The defeat extended New York’s losing run to four, and the team have now dropped nine of their last eleven encounters.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Christie | Mavericks | 26 | 6 |
| Cooper Flagg | Mavericks | 18 | 7 |
| Naji Marshall | Mavericks | 18 | 8 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Knicks | 22 | 18 |
| Jalen Brunson | Knicks | 22 | 0 |
| Mitchell Robinson | Knicks | 12 | 15 |
Recent Form and Upcoming Fixtures
The Knicks, who celebrated an NBA Cup victory in December with a 23-9 record by the month’s end, have witnessed their campaign falter to 25-18, currently standing third in the Eastern Conference during Mike Brown’s first season at the helm.
The Mavericks will return home to face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, while the Knicks aim to arrest their slump when they host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
