3 overreactions as Mavericks fall to Luka Doncic, Lakers in NBA Cup action

The Dallas Mavericks played the first night of a back-to-back against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night for the final game of NBA Cup action for the Mavs. The Lakers had already clinched the group, and the Mavs had already been eliminated, but any matchup between these two teams will be must-see TV.

And the stars from the Lakers did not disappoint. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were superb all night, while the Mavericks were using a very balanced attack. The Lakers led for most of the first half, but a late run actually gave the Mavs the lead at halftime after a couple of buckets by Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, and Max Christie.

The bench also gave the Mavs a great boost, but Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic carried the workload in the third quarter and pushed the Lakers back in front by eight. It looked like they would cruise to an easy win, but Cooper Flagg started the fourth quarter hot, helping the Mavs make one last rally. They took a lead briefly midway through the fourth. But Doncic and Reaves continued to carry the Lakers to the win, with LA winning 129-119.

Doncic and Reaves each had 30+ points to lift the Lakers, while the Mavs had eight different players in double figures, led by P.J. Washington with 22, and it still wasn't enough in what was likely their best offensive showing of the year.

Here are three takeaways from this loss, as it drops the Mavs to 5-15 on the year.

1. Newsflash, Luka Doncic is Still Unbelievable

Nov 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is defended by Dallas Mavericks forward Daniel Gafford (21) as he drives to the basket in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

As Marc Stein said, you just can't trade that guy. He was superb on Friday night, going for 35 points, 11 assists, and 5 rebounds on a very efficient 10/18 shooting, including 11/11 from the line. Austin Reaves gave him a lot of help, to the tune of 38 points, but Doncic had complete control over the game, no matter how Dallas decided to defend him. And it was good to watch him do it.

2. Cooper Flagg Needs More Touches

Nov 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Cooper Flagg had his best playmaking game of the season with 13 points and 11 assists, but he only took 11 shots. When he was hunting his shot, especially in the fourth quarter, he was making a huge impact. But he has to be given those opportunities more. This is his team in the future, might as well start planning for it now.

3. Ryan Nembhard, You Have My Attention

Nov 24, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard (9) drives past Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

The Mavericks decided to start Ryan Nembhard at point guard after an impressive fourth quarter against the Miami Heat earlier in the week. And he was rock solid in this game too, finishing with 17 points and 4 assists. It's no coincidence that the Mavs had arguably their best offensive game with him getting 23 minutes. He's on a two-way contract, so his time will be limited, but he's been a worthy undrafted grab.

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