Hardy scores 25 and Mavericks use late 16-0 run to rally past Trail Blazers 117-111

In the United States, on Thursday night, the Dallas Mavericks faced the Portland Trail Blazers in a competitive NBA matchup. The Mavericks secured a thrilling victory with a score of 117-111, marking their second successive win after overcoming a tough patch that included a season-long five-game losing streak. Jaden Hardy emerged as the standout player, scoring an impressive season-high of 25 points off the bench. He contributed significantly as the Mavericks struggled without their star players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The team’s resilience shone through a late 16-0 scoring run, which ultimately clinched the game. P.J. Washington also played a crucial role in the victory, tallying 23 points along with 14 rebounds. Dereck Lively II notched a double-double with 21 points and 16 rebounds, showcasing the depth of the Mavericks roster despite missing key players. The Trail Blazers had initially taken control of the game, leading 109-99 with just over four minutes remaining. However, they faltered in the closing moments, missing multiple field goals and making costly turnovers. The Mavericks capitalized on these errors to turn the tide of the game in their favor. While the Mavericks' shooting struggles were evident, especially with Klay Thompson limited to only three points on poor shooting, their dominance in the paint proved decisive. They outscored the Blazers 58-38 in the paint, highlighting a strategy that compensated for their insufficient outside shooting. The Blazers' performance was highlighted by Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe, who each scored 22 points, and Scoot Henderson added 20 points off the bench. Despite their efforts, Portland could not regain the momentum lost during the Mavericks' late-game run. This matchup reflects a broader narrative in the NBA, where teams often face significant challenges due to injuries. It underscores how role players and younger talents can emerge as key contributors during challenging times. As the Mavericks prepare for upcoming games, they will look to maintain this momentum while hoping for the return of their star guards. The victory not only boosts team morale but also sets the tone for the remainder of the season as they aim to improve their playoff positioning.