Michael Porter Jr.’s Scorching Streak Continues, But Can the Nets Break Their Losing Spell Against Mavericks?

Watching the Dallas Mavericks throw down a spirited comeback against the Brooklyn Nets was nothing short of thrilling last Friday night. Anthony Davis truly owned the second half, banking 20 of his 24 points, snatching 14 boards, and swatting away three shots — talk about owning the paint! Cooper Flagg chipped in with a slick 22 points and eight assists, steering Dallas to a 119-111 victory that keeps their spirits high, especially with five wins in their last six outings. Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr. stood out for Brooklyn, lighting up the scoreboard with 34 points, pushing his streak of 30-plus games to a personal best. Despite injuries sidelining key Mavericks like Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, Dallas dominated inside, outpacing Brooklyn 66-44 in the paint. The fourth quarter sealed the deal as the Nets cooled off, leaving Dallas to pull away down the stretch. It’s been a rollercoaster season already — but nights like these remind me why I keep my eyes glued to the court. LEARN MORE

DALLAS (AP) — Anthony Davis scored 20 of his 24 points in the second half to go with 14 rebounds and three blocks, and Cooper Flagg had 22 points and eight assists as the Dallas Mavericks rallied to beat the Brooklyn Nets 119-111 on Friday night.

The Mavericks (10-16) have won five of their last six games and two straight at home for the first time this season. Naji Marshall scored 17 points.

Michael Porter Jr. had 34 to lead the Nets (6-18), who had won three of four following a 3-16 start. Porter has scored at least 30 points in four consecutive games for the first time in his seven-year NBA career.

Brooklyn rookie Danny Wolf added 17 points, 12 in the second half. Nic Claxton had 14 points and 10 rebounds.

The Mavericks outscored the Nets 66-44 in the paint despite Davis playing center instead of power forward with Dallas missing pivotmen Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford because of injuries.

The Nets shot a season-best 43.6% from behind the arc, hitting 17 of 39. Porter was 6 of 10 on 3-pointers.

The Mavericks outscored the Nets 29-19 in the fourth quarter, with Brooklyn shooting 28.6% in the period — including 2 of 9 from 3-point distance. With the score tied at 110 with three minutes left, Dallas’ Brandon Williams hit a second-chance 3 following Flagg’s rebound, and Davis followed with a floater following a turnover by Porter.

It was the Mavericks’ first game since Wednesday’s announcement that the oft-injured Lively will miss the remainder of the season following foot surgery. Gafford missed his third consecutive game because of a right ankle injury.