On February 27, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks hosted the Charlotte Hornets in a closely contested matchup. The Mavericks emerged victorious with a 103-96 win, improving their season record to 32-28. Meanwhile, the Hornets dropped to 14-44. The game saw 10 lead changes and three ties, reflecting the competitive intensity on the court. Both teams showed moments of brilliance, but it was the Mavericks who capitalized better during crunch time to seal the deal.
Key Mavericks Performances
Kyrie Irving delivered a standout performance, scoring 25 points along with grabbing 9 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists. He stepped up significantly in the second half, scoring 18 of his total points when it mattered most. Moses Brown, making his first start for Dallas, also made a strong impact with 20 points and 11 rebounds—both season highs. Klay Thompson contributed 18 points and hit a crucial three-pointer in the final minutes to help clinch the win. The Mavericks showcased a balanced offense with contributions from both starters and role players.
Hornets Standout Players
Despite the loss, the Hornets had a few bright spots. Mark Williams was dominant in the paint, scoring 26 points and collecting 16 rebounds. Miles Bridges followed closely with 20 points and 12 boards, forming a strong frontcourt duo. Nick Smith Jr. displayed playmaking skills, finishing with 12 points and 7 assists. The Hornets competed fiercely throughout the game, but late turnovers and missed opportunities kept them from overcoming the Mavericks’ clutch execution.
Luka Doncic’s Dominating Performance Against the Hornets
Although Luka Doncic did not play in the February 27, 2025 game due to roster changes earlier in the season, his history against the Hornets deserves mention. In a previous matchup, Doncic delivered a triple-double with 39 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. His ability to control the pace, create shots, and score from anywhere on the floor made him a constant threat. Even when he isn’t on the floor, his legacy in matchups like these continues to set the standard for the Mavericks.
Game Recap: How the Mavericks Took Control Early
The game began with the Mavericks jumping out to an 11-point lead in the first quarter. However, the Hornets responded with an 8-0 run, ending the quarter trailing by just one point. The second quarter featured several lead changes, and the Mavericks managed a slim 50-49 lead at halftime. In the third quarter, Kyrie Irving went on a scoring run, putting the Mavericks back in control. They maintained their composure in the fourth quarter, executing key plays on both ends of the court to close out the game and secure the win.
Defensive Highlights: Steals, Blocks, and Hustle Plays
Defense was a major factor in the Mavericks’ win. Dallas recorded 7 steals and 6 blocks during the game. Josh Green showed active hands, picking up 3 steals and disrupting the Hornets’ offensive rhythm. Maxi Kleber had 2 big blocks that shifted momentum in the second half. The team communicated well, switched on screens, and boxed out effectively. Their hustle on loose balls and defensive rotations kept the Hornets from finding their rhythm in the closing minutes. The Mavericks’ defense stepped up when it mattered most.
On the Hornets’ side, defense wasn’t lacking either. Miles Bridges recorded 2 blocks, while rookie Brandon Miller added a pair of steals. Charlotte did well in transition defense but struggled against Dallas’ pick-and-roll game. Despite that, their energy on defense kept them in the game until the final minutes.
Three-Point Shooting Impact
Both teams relied heavily on perimeter shooting. The Mavericks hit 13 of their 32 three-point attempts. Klay Thompson led the charge, sinking 4 of 7 from deep. Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed with two long-range buckets that sparked bench momentum. Their shooting spaced the floor and gave Kyrie room to operate.
Charlotte, on the other hand, struggled from beyond the arc. They went 9 for 30 from three-point range. While LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges connected on a few, cold stretches in the third and fourth quarters hurt their comeback chances. Three-point shooting turned out to be one of the biggest differences in the match.
Bench Contributions: Underrated but Key
The Mavericks’ bench outscored the Hornets’ reserves 32-20. Tim Hardaway Jr. led all bench players with 14 points, including a timely three-pointer early in the fourth. Seth Curry chipped in with 7 points and 2 assists. Dwight Powell played solid minutes defensively and helped control the boards.
For the Hornets, rookie Nick Smith Jr. was the top bench scorer with 12 points. However, the rest of the bench struggled to make an impact. Limited offensive flow and low shooting percentages made it tough for Charlotte to keep up when their starters rested. The depth of the Mavericks clearly gave them the edge.
Mavericks’ Fourth Quarter Execution
Dallas executed perfectly in the fourth quarter. They ran effective sets, took high-percentage shots, and made stops on defense. Kyrie Irving controlled the tempo and made smart decisions with the ball. Thompson’s clutch three-pointer extended the lead to eight with under two minutes remaining, sealing the game.
They limited turnovers and forced Charlotte into contested shots. The Mavericks’ composure, experience, and decision-making in the clutch were unmatched. They made every possession count and it paid off.
Hornets’ Missed Chances in the Final Minutes
The Hornets had several chances to close the gap in the final minutes but couldn’t convert. Missed layups, an offensive foul, and a late turnover proved costly. LaMelo Ball missed a crucial three with 1:30 left that could’ve made it a one-possession game. Their offense appeared rushed, and they lacked ball movement in key moments.
Charlotte’s effort wasn’t lacking, but their inability to execute under pressure allowed Dallas to pull away. Experience played a role here, as the younger Hornets’ squad showed signs of nerves late in the game.
Dallas Mavericks vs Charlotte Hornets Match Player Stats: Shooting Comparison
The shooting percentages tell a big part of the story. The Mavericks shot 47% from the field, while the Hornets managed only 41%. Dallas hit their shots inside and outside the arc. Charlotte, on the other hand, struggled with consistency.
In free throws, the Hornets were better, hitting 88% of their attempts compared to 75% for Dallas. But the Mavericks made more field goals and three-pointers. Their shot selection was smarter, and their offense looked more organized. Overall, shooting efficiency tilted the game in favor of the Mavericks.
Rebounding, Assists, and Turnovers Breakdown
Rebounding played a huge role. Dallas had 49 rebounds—13 on offense. The Hornets grabbed 44, including 10 offensive boards. Moses Brown led all players with 11 rebounds, followed closely by Mark Williams with 10.
Assists were nearly even: Dallas had 24, Charlotte had 23. But turnovers made the difference. The Hornets committed 16 turnovers compared to the Mavericks’ 11. These extra possessions gave Dallas more chances to score and control the tempo. In a close game, every possession matters—and Dallas used theirs better.
You May Also Like: Yankees vs White Sox Match Player Stats Breakdown
Conclusion
The Dallas Mavericks vs Charlotte Hornets match player stats show why the Mavericks came out on top. Strong performances from Kyrie Irving and Moses Brown led the way. Dallas controlled the game when it counted, especially in the fourth quarter. They shot better, defended better, and made smarter plays.
The Hornets put up a fight. Mark Williams and Miles Bridges showed promise. But missed shots, turnovers, and late-game mistakes cost them. The Mavericks used their experience and depth to take the win and improve their record.
This game highlighted the importance of execution, teamwork, and depth. It’s a performance Dallas fans can be proud of—and a learning moment for Charlotte.
FAQs
1. Who was the top scorer in the Mavericks vs Hornets game?
Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 25 points in the Mavericks’ win.
2. How did Moses Brown perform in the game?
He scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, making a major impact.
3. What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Dallas Mavericks 103, Charlotte Hornets 96.
4. How many points did the Hornets score in the fourth quarter?
The Hornets scored 22 points in the final quarter, falling short of a comeback.
5. Which team had more turnovers?
The Hornets had 16 turnovers, while the Mavericks had 11.
6. How did the benches of both teams perform?
Dallas’ bench outscored Charlotte’s 32–20, giving them a strong advantage.
7. Who hit the most three-pointers for Dallas?
Klay Thompson led the Mavericks with 4 three-pointers.
8. What was the biggest lead in the game?
Dallas held the largest lead at 12 points during the third quarter.
9. How did the Hornets’ top players perform?
Mark Williams and Miles Bridges both had strong double-doubles.
10. Was Luka Doncic playing in this game?
No, Luka Doncic did not play in this matchup.
