Dallas Mavericks Struggle as Hawks Soar in 125-116 Victory

The Atlanta Hawks extend their winning streak to seven games with a dominant performance over the slumping Dallas Mavericks.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Dallas Mavericks 125-116 on Saturday night, extending their winning streak to seven games. Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 35 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 24 points and six assists. The Mavericks, who have lost 17 of their last 19 games, were led by Daniel Gafford's 21 points and 11 rebounds, but no other player scored in double figures. The Hawks overcame a slow start, trailing by 13 points in the first quarter, to take control of the game in the second half.

Why it matters

The Hawks' victory showcases their strong form as they continue to climb up the Eastern Conference standings, while the Mavericks' struggles highlight their need to find solutions to turn their season around. This game also raises questions about the Mavericks' ability to compete without key players like Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II.

The details

The Mavericks struggled from the field, shooting just 40% overall and a dismal 5-for-30 from 3-point range. In contrast, the Hawks shot 55% from the field and 13-for-32 from beyond the arc. The Hawks' defense also played a key role, as they were able to climb back into the game after a slow start and take control in the fourth quarter with an 8-0 run.

  • The Mavericks have lost 17 of their last 19 games overall.
  • The Hawks have won 7 of their last 8 games and are on a season-high 6-game winning streak.

The players

Jalen Johnson

The Hawks' forward led the team with 35 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists on 12-of-19 shooting.

Daniel Gafford

The Mavericks' center had a strong performance with 21 points and 11 rebounds on a perfect 10-of-10 shooting.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with the same intensity and focus that has carried us through this winning streak. Our defense was the key tonight, and we'll need that same effort going forward.”

— Jalen Johnson, Hawks Forward (Hawks.com)

“We just couldn't find our rhythm tonight. Credit to the Hawks, they played great defense and made us work for every shot. We need to regroup and find a way to get back on track.”

— Daniel Gafford, Mavericks Center (Mavericks.com)

What’s next

The Mavericks will look to end their 7-game losing streak when they face the Raptors on Thursday, while the Hawks will try to extend their winning streak to 8 games when they host the Celtics on Friday.

The takeaway

The Hawks' dominant performance over the struggling Mavericks showcases their ability to overcome early deficits and win games with their balanced scoring attack and stifling defense. Meanwhile, the Mavericks' continued woes highlight the need for the team to find solutions to their recent slump and get key players like Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II back on the court.