The Dallas Mavericks shocked the Los Angeles Lakers 127-125 in a thrilling NBA Cup matchup on November 28, 2025. Luka Doncic delivered late-game heroics to deliver an upset victory at Crypto.com Arena. This stunning result sends shockwaves through the Western Conference.
🔥 Quick Facts
Final Score: Mavericks defeated Lakers 127-125 in stunning upset
Luka Doncic Stats: 43 points, 13 assists, and 9 rebounds in dominant performance
Location: Game played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on November 28
Competition: Emirates NBA Cup West Group B contest with playoff implications
Doncic’s Masterclass Leads Mavericks Upset Over Lakers
Luka Doncic put on a scoring clinic with 43 points while orchestrating the offense with 13 assists. He added 9 rebounds to nearly complete a triple-double in the high-pressure matchup. Doncic was relentless throughout the contest, especially down the stretch.
The Mavericks offense operated at peak efficiency with multiple scoring options stepping up. P.J. Washington contributed 27 points and grabbed 8 rebounds for Dallas. Daniel Gafford provided vital interior presence with 11 points paired alongside 11 rebounds. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg showed flashes of potential in limited minutes.
Lakers Struggle Despite Strong Supporting Cast Effort
Los Angeles mounted a fierce comeback attempt powered by Austin Reaves, who posted 31 points and 9 rebounds in a valiant effort. LeBron James delivered a season-high 25 points to lead the home team’s charge. Despite their star power, the Lakers could not contain the Mavericks’ offensive explosion in crucial moments.
The Lakers came into the game seeking an undefeated run through NBA Cup Group B. Instead, they suffered a devastating two-point loss that dramatically shifts the playoff tournament dynamics. Deandre Ayton provided interior support but couldn’t overcome Dallas’s balanced attack. The defeat stunned the home crowd at Crypto.com Arena.
Fourth Quarter Thriller Decides Tournament Implications
Category
Dallas Mavericks
Los Angeles Lakers
Final Score
127
125
Leading Scorer
Luka Doncic (43 Pts)
Austin Reaves (31 Pts)
Key Contributor
P.J. Washington (27/8)
LeBron James (25 Pts)
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
The fourth quarter proved decisive as both teams jockeyed for late-game momentum. The Mavericks executed critical possessions down the stretch, with Doncic orchestrating the final moments. Dallas held firm on defense when it mattered most. The two-point margin reflected how tightly contested this matchup truly was from start to finish. NBA Cup advancement now hinges on remaining group play outcomes.
What Does This Upset Mean for Both Franchises Moving Forward?
This victory positions the Mavericks as serious tournament contenders despite their earlier struggles. Doncic proved why he remains one of the league’s elite two-way talents capable of winning games single-handedly. Dallas now controls its destiny in Group B with potential playoff implications.
For the Lakers, this loss serves as a crucial reality check mid-tournament. Los Angeles must regroup quickly with critical matchups remaining. LeBron James and Reaves showed championship pedigree, but consistency across four quarters will determine postseason survival. The Group B landscape shifted dramatically after this thriller.
Playoff Implications and NBA Cup Standings Impact
The upset loss threatens Los Angeles’s path to tournament advancement within Group B. Dallas now stands as a serious threat to emerge from the grouping. Remaining games will be absolutely essential for both franchises seeking NBA Cup glory. The two-point decision exemplifies tournament basketball’s unpredictability.
Sources
NBA.com – Official box score and game statistics from November 28, 2025 matchup
ESPN – Live coverage and final score verification for Mavericks vs Lakers game
Red94.net – Game recap detailing Doncic’s performance and tournament implications
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.