Dinwiddie scores season-high as Mavericks end losing streak

In the United States on March 21, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks played against the Detroit Pistons at home and managed to secure a much-needed 123-117 victory. This win marked the end of a four-game losing streak for the Mavericks, who have been struggling throughout the season, winning only two out of their last eleven games. Spencer Dinwiddie had an exceptional performance, scoring a season-high of 31 points, which included eleven points from the free-throw line. In addition, P.J. Washington Jr. contributed significantly with 27 points, hitting five three-pointers, indicating a strong offensive effort by the team. During the game, the Mavericks utilized all nine eligible players and set a franchise record by fielding their 39th different starting lineup of the season. The team is currently facing challenges in securing a play-in berth as they grapple with a disappointing season following their NBA Finals appearance in the previous year. Klay Thompson added to the mixed performance with 20 points, while Naji Marshall also put in a solid effort with 19 points and 11 rebounds. The Pistons were led by Cade Cunningham, who displayed impressive offensive skills, scoring a game-high 35 points on 15-for-30 shooting. Despite Cunningham's efforts, the Pistons could not secure a win. Their leading guard, Tim Hardaway Jr., unfortunately, suffered a right ankle sprain during the game and left early, further weakening their chances of winning. Hardaway Jr. was honored with a video presentation before the game to acknowledge his previous contributions to the Mavericks. As the game progressed, a pivotal moment came when the Mavericks led 118-115 with only 23.8 seconds remaining. They managed to effectively break a full-court press from the Pistons, which resulted in a crucial three-point play by Brandon Williams. This emphasized the need for timely plays as the Mavericks look to regain their competitive edge. Looking ahead, the Pistons will host a game against New Orleans, while the Mavericks are scheduled to visit Brooklyn. This game served as a critical turning point for the Mavericks as they aim to reclaim their stature in the league.