Mavericks ride incredible third quarter run to top Kings in Sacramento

The Dallas Mavericks played two straight games in the California capital to close out the 2021 calendar year. The Sacramento Kings dished out a heartbreaking loss to the shorthanded Mavs on Dec. 29, and Dallas wanted revenge on New Year’s Eve.

The Mavericks were without ten players on Friday night. Eight were in the health and safety protocols, including superstar Luka Doncic. The surprise was Frank Ntilikina being ruled out less than an hour before tipoff, despite not appearing on the injury report previously.

Dallas went on an incredible run in the third quarter to take control of the game on Friday night where they outscored the Kings 24 to two over a six-minute stretch. The Mavericks did it with hot shooting and defense in Sacramento as they rode their run to a 112-96 win. Here is a closer look at Dallas’s performance, and a look ahead to what will start off 2022.

Dallas Mavericks use incredible run to defeat Sacramento Kings

The Mavs gave up 39 points in the first quarter and trailed by five after 12 minutes before they took over the contest. Dallas outscored Sacramento 28 to 17 and 32 to 20 in the next two periods, and the Mavericks never looked back.

Their massive third-quarter run was special. Dallas controlled the game and forced the Kings to make mistakes. It was one of the best six-minute stretches for the Mavs this season.

Kristaps Porzingis was outstanding on Friday night as he finished with 24 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and two blocks in 33 minutes of action. Then Unicorn made eight of his 12 field goals and six of his seven free throws in the victory.

Jalen Brunson produced 23 points and eight assists as the starting point guard. He and KP lead the charge in the team’s impressive run, and JB has proved he deserves to be a starter going forward.

The Dallas Mavericks are back in action on Jan. 2 as they travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder. It is the first of a back-to-back set and a chance for the Mavs to get back to .500. Fans won’t want to miss it, so please tune in and enjoy.