The Dallas Mavericks’ season-opening frustrations continued Friday night inside American Airlines Center — not because of effort, but because of execution. A second consecutive collapse, fueled by turnovers and defensive lapses, erased what was once a promising start against the Washington Wizards.

Behind a career-high 34 points from second-year guard Kyshawn George, the Wizards stunned the Mavericks 117-107, sending Dallas to an 0–2 start. It wasn’t for lack of individual performances — Anthony Davis notched another dominant double-double with 27 points and 13 rebounds, and Cooper Flagg showed poise and growth in his second NBA game with 18 points, six assists, and five rebounds. But once again, turnovers proved fatal.

Cooper Flagg Shows Growth, but Turnovers Define the Night

The Mavericks opened the game looking sharp. Behind Davis and P.J. Washington, Dallas raced out to a 23-9 lead midway through the first quarter, moving the ball crisply and defending with energy. Yet the same issues that doomed them in their season opener resurfaced.

The Wizards adjusted defensively, jumping passing lanes and applying consistent pressure on Flagg and the Mavericks’ frontcourt ball-handlers. Dallas committed 13 turnovers by halftime and 21 overall, leading to 31 Washington fast-break points.

“It came down to turnovers — just silly ones we shouldn’t have thrown,” Flagg said afterward. “We’ve got to take care of the ball because that led to a lot of transition opportunities for them.”

Despite the mistakes, Flagg continued to display flashes of why the Mavericks view him as a foundational piece. His late-game confidence was unmistakable — drilling a corner three, finishing a transition dunk, and helping fuel a brief fourth-quarter rally that cut the deficit to four.

“I think I found a little more rhythm,” Flagg said. “Offensively, we were better as a team keeping the ball moving. We took a step in the right direction, but we’ve got to sustain that for the whole game.”

At 18 years and 307 days old, Flagg became just the second player in NBA history under 19 to record at least 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a game — joining LeBron James. Still, he kept the focus on team growth rather than milestones.

“We want to play with pace, but sometimes when we push the ball and they stop us, we’ve got to slow it down and get into our sets,” Flagg said. “It’s about settling down once we push the ball and getting organized.”

Anthony Davis: “We’ve Got to Be Better Defensively”

For Davis, who has now opened the season with consecutive 20-point double-doubles for the first time since 2021–22, the loss was another reminder of the importance of communication on defense.

“We’ve got to be better defensively,” Davis said. “Playing that big lineup, we’ve got to communicate better. Their guards ran a lot of actions that confused us a bit. When we get stops, we can run, but defensively, that’s where our biggest problems are.”

Davis pointed to unforced errors as the turning point. “Twenty turnovers make it tough to win,” he said. “A lot were unforced. Teams know we’re bigger, so they’re swiping at the ball and trying to get deflections. We’ve got to be smarter. Me, PJ, and Coop — if we’re the primary ball handlers, we’ve got to protect it better and handle full-court pressure.”

He praised Flagg’s response to adversity and said the rookie is learning quickly.

“He played well. We gave him the ball in his spots and let him go at mismatches,” Davis said. “We’ve been talking to him about when to go and when to make the right play. He’s figuring it out, and he’s starting to learn where his shots come from.”

Jason Kidd Emphasizes Composure and Transition Defense

Head coach Jason Kidd echoed his stars’ concerns, calling the turnovers “unacceptable” but correctable.

“Most of those turnovers weren’t forced — we just made silly passes, or guys weren’t looking,” Kidd said. “When you’re playing from behind, you have to be perfect — make free throws, protect the ball, get stops. We got the stops, but then turned it over.”

Kidd noted that while Flagg continues to adjust to being picked up full-court, his decision-making and conditioning are improving.

“He’s been picked up since day one in Summer League, and he’s going to be picked up all year,” Kidd said. “He’s getting better each time he’s in there. He makes big plays down the stretch.”

Transition defense, however, remains a focal point. “Teams are going to run, and it doesn’t get easier,” Kidd said. “Toronto’s going to run and press. Oklahoma City’s going to run. Indiana’s going to run. It’s a good week to work on transition defense.”

Naji Marshall: “Don’t Panic”

Following the loss, forward Naji Marshall echoed Kidd’s measured tone, urging calm despite the 0–2 start.

“Just gotta keep on keeping on, man,” Marshall said. “We’re good — it’s only game two. Nobody’s panicking. We just have to lock in on what we know we’ve got to do and just do it.”

Marshall, who energized the Mavericks during their second-half push against Washington, said the team’s early success came from energy — something they need to sustain for all 48 minutes. “Raw energy. That’s our calling card — the energy we bring to the game every day,” he said. “We just have to maintain it and do it consistently. That’s what’ll change things for us.”

He also praised P.J. Washington’s steady two-way play through the first two games. “P.J., bro, I’m not surprised,” Marshall said. “He’s holding it down for us, and AD’s holding it down too. If we win a championship, he’s going to be a big reason why. Just hope he stays healthy and keeps doing what he’s doing.”

As for the message to fans: “Don’t panic,” Marshall said. “It’s only two games. That’s like having a bad two days in January — the first and second — and then panicking for the rest of the year.”

Marshall volunteered for the defensive challenge against Toronto Raptors star Brandon Ingram on Sunday, who also was his teammate with the New Orleans Pelicans.

“Put me on him,” he said. “Yes sir. Put me on him.”

Looking Ahead: Toronto on Deck

The Mavericks’ immediate focus shifts to the Raptors, who bring a young and athletic core featuring Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett. Kidd called them “a team that runs and presses,” noting that transition defense will again be the key.

Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington will continue to anchor the frontcourt, while Cooper Flagg’s development as a lead creator remains a storyline to watch. Jaden Hardy’s spark off the bench and Max Christie’s perimeter shooting will likely be factors as Kidd searches for lineup balance.

“We’re still learning each other,” Kidd said. “It’s early, but the effort is there. The communication and consistency just need to match it.”

The Mavericks will look to avoid a 0–3 start when they host the Raptors on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. CST to continue their five-game homestand.

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