Dallas MavericksOpen full analysis
Philadelphia 76ersOpen full analysis
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 121–114 on December 20 at Wells Fargo Center, falling short of the 226.5-point Vegas total. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 38 points, while Vander Edgecombe added 26 in a balanced offensive effort that produced 12 three-pointers despite a modest 43.1% field-goal percentage. Philadelphia's defense proved decisive, holding Dallas to just 17 points in the fourth quarter after the Mavericks had scored 35 in the third. The 76ers' 11 steals and defensive rating of 111.0 limited Dallas's efficiency despite the Mavericks shooting 54.2% from the floor; Dallas was hampered by 18 turnovers and made only three three-pointers. Philadelphia's 27 assists and 47 rebounds showcased superior ball movement and rebounding control, while their 118.3 offensive rating sustained the advantage. Dallas's Collin Flagg and Austin Davis each scored 24 points, but the fourth-quarter collapse—when the Mavericks managed just 17 points—sealed the outcome. The 76ers' defensive intensity down the stretch positions them favorably in the Eastern Conference standings.
