The Dallas Mavericks secured a vital 118-97 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing their depth despite missing key players Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Daniel Gafford. This marked the Mavericks' first win without their star duo this season, ending a five-game losing streak. The Mavericks displayed a well-balanced offensive effort with five players scoring in double figures, led by Quentin Grimes with 23 points and P.J. Washington Jr. contributing 22 points and 8 rebounds.

Efficient perimeter shooting played a pivotal role, highlighted by a strong performance from Klay Thompson, who sparked an 11-0 run late in the second quarter. The team's strategy focused on exploiting favorable matchups against the Lakers' weaker defenders, resulting in 52 points scored in the paint. The victory lifts the Mavericks to a 21-16 record as they continue to navigate life without their top players.