by Rell Wright/Pelican Contributor 

The Dallas Mavericks emerged victorious over the New Orleans Pelicans with a close score of 125-120. This win marks a significant achievement for the Mavericks, as they managed to split a two-game home set against the Pelicans. The game was especially notable for the remarkable performance of Kyrie Irving, who scored an impressive 42 points, and Tim Hardaway Jr., who contributed a substantial 41 points.

This duo’s outstanding scoring helped Dallas overcome the absence of their star player Luka Doncic, who missed his third consecutive game due to a sprained ankle. The synergy between Irving and Doncic was reminiscent of their previous game in March, where both players had excelled.

Despite a strong effort from the Pelicans, led by Zion Williamson with 30 points, their struggle was evident in the free-throw line, where Williamson was only 6 of 11, including a critical miss with just 17 seconds left on the clock. This miss was crucial as it denied New Orleans a chance to level the score after Dallas had strategically fouled him.

The Mavericks, trailing by seven midway through the fourth quarter, narrowed the gap with Hardaway’s 3-pointer and then seized the lead with another 3-pointer on their next possession. Hardaway’s performance was just one point shy of his career-high, underscoring the intensity of his play. CJ McCollum also contributed 23 points for the Pelicans, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.

The game also saw a notable return from Dallas rookie Dereck Lively II, who had been out for five games. Lively II made a substantial impact with 12 rebounds, including seven offensive boards, three of which were crucial in the fourth quarter, aiding Hardaway’s pivotal go-ahead 3-pointer. For New Orleans, Trey Murphy III and Larry Nance Jr. each scored 14 points. Looking ahead, the Pelicans are set to start a four-game homestand on Wednesday against Charlotte, aiming to bounce back from this narrow defeat. This game between Dallas and New Orleans not only showcased individual brilliance but also highlighted the importance of strategic plays and clutch performances in critical moments of the game.