Dante Exum made a crucial 3-pointer with 27.5 seconds left, Kyrie Irving scored 30 points, and the Dallas Mavericks secured a 107-103 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, extending their winning streak to six games.
Exum’s shot, created by P.J. Washington, sealed the win for the Mavericks after a second-half comeback. Irving had 14 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, and Luka Doncic added 26 points for Dallas.
The game came down to the wire as Harrison Barnes missed a potential game-tying 3-point shot, followed by a backcourt violation by the Kings. Exum, who struggled with his 3-point shooting earlier in the game, redeemed himself with the winning shot, showing great teamwork and trust among the Mavericks players.
Coach Jason Kidd expressed his confidence in Exum, praising his contribution to the team’s success.
Exum, a former lottery pick who recently joined the Mavericks, highlighted the team’s support and encouragement as key factors in his performance. His positive mindset and determination to bounce back after misses played a crucial role in the game.
Dallas managed to overcome a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter, taking the lead midway through the period with a 12-0 run. The Mavericks’ strong performance in the closing minutes secured the victory against the Kings.
With their 10th win in their last 11 games, the Mavericks now hold the sixth spot in the Western Conference, two games ahead of the Kings. The team aims to avoid the play-in tournament and continue their successful run.
Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with a triple-double, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Mavericks’ resilience. Both teams showed determination and skill throughout the game, with Dallas emerging victorious in the end.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will face the Rockets, while the Kings will host the Jazz in their next games.