Irving and Flagg Lead Mavericks’ Winning Surge, Hand Thunder and Rockets Their First Losses of the Season 

Two undefeated teams arrived at American Airlines Center within three days of each other. Both left with their first losses of the season as the Dallas Mavericks demonstrated how quickly they are developing under new head coach Dusty May.

The Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 120-96 on Wednesday before overcoming an 11-point second-half deficit to beat the Houston Rockets 116-111 on Friday night.

The consecutive victories extended Dallas’ winning streak to three games and improved its record to 4-2, marking a promising stretch for a team that entered the season with a new coaching staff, several new players and questions about how quickly its roster could develop chemistry.

“I think we’re definitely developing some winning habits along the way against an organization that’s become a standard,” May said following Wednesday’s victory over Oklahoma City.

Those habits were tested again Friday when Dallas found itself trailing a physical Houston team that had defeated the Mavericks by 18 points in their season opener.

This time, Dallas responded.

Mavericks Set the Tone Against Oklahoma City

The Mavericks began their two-game stretch against an Oklahoma City team that entered Wednesday’s matchup with a 4-0 record.

Cooper Flagg led Dallas with 26 points, five rebounds and eight assists without committing a turnover. P.J. Washington Jr. added 18 points and nine rebounds, while Kyrie Irving contributed 15 points and four assists in his first regular-season home appearance since March 2025.

Dallas established an early advantage, building a 65-59 halftime lead before pulling away in the second half.

The Mavericks outscored Oklahoma City 55-37 after halftime, holding the Thunder to just 15 points in the fourth quarter.

One of the biggest contributors was Zaccharie Risacher, who finished with 13 points and six rebounds while taking on the challenge of defending reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 21 points on 7-of-19 shooting, while Oklahoma City made just five of its 32 three-point attempts. Dallas also prevented the Thunder from scoring a single fast-break point.

“I thought tonight he put in a masterpiece,” May said of Risacher. “The job he did on Shai in the second half, I’ve watched a lot of Shai film, and you don’t see that very often.”

Risacher’s performance came hours after Dallas announced it had exercised his fourth-year team option for the 2027-28 season.

The 21-year-old entered Wednesday averaging 8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 2.0 blocks through his first four games with Dallas. He also set a franchise record with five steals in his Mavericks debut against Houston on Oct. 21.

Risacher learned about the team’s decision before the game and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to continue developing in Dallas.

“I feel like I’m in the right position to be able to be myself and succeed, too, individually, but most importantly, collectively,” Risacher said.

The forward also embraced the opportunity to defend one of the NBA’s premier players.

“I like the challenge,” Risacher said. “I like the challenge, and being able to compete and impact the game on defense like this has been great for me.”

Dallas finished with 30 assists on 46 made field goals, demonstrating the ball movement and offensive execution May has emphasized since taking over.

Irving and Flagg Take Over Against Houston

The Mavericks faced a different challenge Friday when the previously undefeated Rockets visited American Airlines Center for the opening game of NBA Cup group play.

Houston entered the matchup with a 5-0 record, including a 128-110 victory over Dallas on Oct. 21.

The Mavericks opened with a 27-20 first-quarter lead, but Houston responded by outscoring Dallas 31-17 in the second quarter to take a 51-44 advantage into halftime.

Following the game, Irving acknowledged that the Mavericks had initially relaxed after learning Houston would be without Alperen Şengün and Reed Sheppard.

“Psychologically, when Alperen Şengün’s out and Reed’s out, we have a whole game plan for them, and then we kind of take our foot off the gas pedal a little bit,” Irving said. “So we just had to readjust. When you’re in competition, you can’t do that.”

Irving explained that the Mavericks addressed their lack of intensity during halftime and challenged one another to match Houston’s physicality.

“We all agreed we weren’t playing our best basketball,” Irving said. “In order to be considered the best in this league, you got to bring the energy every single night.”

Despite the halftime conversation, Houston extended its lead to 84-76 entering the fourth quarter, leaving Dallas needing another strong response.

Irving and Flagg delivered.

Irving finished with 35 points, nine assists and four rebounds, scoring 26 of his points in the second half. Flagg added 33 points, nine rebounds and six assists while shooting 13-of-19 from the field.

Together, they combined for 68 points, including 27 in the fourth quarter, as Dallas outscored Houston 40-27 in the final period.

Irving helped lead the comeback with his scoring and playmaking, while Flagg delivered crucial baskets in the closing moments, including a three-point play after Kevin Durant missed two free throws.

For Flagg, those moments reflected his growing confidence in pressure situations.

“Just being confident, getting to my spots and living with the result,” Flagg said. “All the great players are able to just get to their spots and raise up and knock them down.”

Irving praised his 19-year-old teammate’s ability to perform in crucial moments.

“Just having a teenager out there making these tough shots and getting and-ones and being as clutch as anyone I’ve seen, it’s just amazing to be a part of,” Irving said.

May believes having two players capable of taking control late in games gives Dallas an advantage.

“Those guys are able to share that load and have two guys who just are closers like they are,” May said.

Supporting Cast Embraces Its Role

Although Irving and Flagg led the scoring, Dallas received valuable contributions throughout its rotation in both victories.

Daniel Gafford grabbed 11 rebounds and made the first three-pointer of his NBA career against Oklahoma City. He followed with 18 points, seven rebounds and three blocks against Houston, providing important defensive stops and converting two free throws in the closing seconds.

Flagg praised Gafford for holding his own against Houston’s physical frontcourt.

“He never backed down from the challenge,” Flagg said. “He’s always there protecting the paint, getting the rebounds.”

P.J. Washington Jr. also played a crucial role on the glass, finishing with 10 rebounds against Houston despite scoring only three points.

Flagg credited Washington’s physical defense and ability to secure rebounds in the closing minutes, helping Dallas prevent Houston from getting additional opportunities.

May echoed that sentiment, praising the contributions of players who stepped up when the Mavericks needed them most.

“Some guys that weren’t having their best games stepped up and grabbed big rebounds,” May said.

Caleb Martin provided a boost off the bench after returning from injury, scoring 10 points against Oklahoma City and eight against Houston.

Flagg highlighted Martin’s defensive presence and rebounding effort against the Rockets. He also praised Risacher, who has continued to make an impact with his defensive versatility and activity.

“Zach has been really good all year of just getting in the lanes, getting deflections, steals, blocks, being all over the place,” Flagg said.

For Flagg, those contributions show how important the entire roster has become to the Mavericks’ early success.

“We have a lot of stars. Guys are being stars in our roles,” Flagg said. “Those guys are all stars in their roles, and they’re vital to our success.”

Martin believes the Mavericks are developing chemistry quickly despite the changes throughout the organization.

“I love how new we are, but how fast we’re gelling together,” Martin said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning how to win competitive games while the team continues to grow.

“Not everybody’s fortunate enough to learn and still win,” Martin said.

Building Confidence Under Dusty May

The two victories presented different challenges for a Mavericks team still establishing its identity.

Against Oklahoma City, Dallas relied on defensive discipline, ball movement and balanced scoring to defeat an injury-depleted opponent.

Against Houston, the Mavericks had to overcome a difficult second quarter, battle a significant rebounding disadvantage and execute in the closing minutes against one of the league’s most physical teams.

May believes the team’s willingness to compete together has been one of its most encouraging developments.

“We look like a group trying to find a way to win together, no matter what,” May said.

Irving echoed that sentiment, crediting the team’s growing trust and accountability while emphasizing the importance of maintaining its intensity regardless of the opponent.

Despite the early success, May understands that Dallas still has areas to improve, particularly when it comes to rebounding, turnovers and consistent execution.

The Mavericks will look to extend their winning streak Monday when they host the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Center.

For a team learning how to win together under new leadership, handing two previously undefeated opponents their first losses in consecutive games represents an important step forward. The Mavericks are still finding their identity, but their latest performances suggest that the winning habits May has emphasized are beginning to take shape.