Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
Dallas MavericksOpen full analysis
The Charlotte Hornets edged the Dallas Mavericks 123–121 on January 29 at the American Airlines Center in a closely contested matchup that finished just under the Vegas total of 225.5. C. Flagg led Dallas with 49 points and K. Thompson added 16, but the Mavericks' 46.6% field-goal shooting and 11 three-pointers proved insufficient against Charlotte's offensive efficiency. The Hornets' K. Knueppel paced the visitors with 34 points, while B. Miller contributed 23 as Charlotte shot 47.3% from the field and drained 20 three-pointers, a decisive advantage from beyond the arc. Charlotte's fourth-quarter surge—30 points to Dallas's 28—sealed the outcome despite the Mavericks outrebounding the Hornets 50–45 and Dallas's defensive rating of 121.9 slightly edging Charlotte's 115.2. The Hornets' 28 assists and superior three-point volume proved the difference in a game where both offenses operated efficiently but Charlotte's perimeter barrage ultimately prevailed. This road victory positions Charlotte favorably in the playoff race while Dallas must address its three-point defense.
