## Dallas Mavericks Shock Lakers 127–125 in NBA Cup Thriller
The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a dramatic 127–125 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on November 28, 2025, in a tightly contested NBA Cup matchup that came down to the final seconds.
### Luka Doncic’s Late Heroics
Luka Doncic once again proved why he is among the league’s most clutch performers. With the Mavericks trailing by one point in the closing moments, Doncic sank a step-back three-pointer over Anthony Davis to give Dallas the lead with just 4.3 seconds remaining. His performance, marked by 38 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds, anchored the Mavericks’ offense throughout the night.
> “Luka lives for these moments,” said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. “He wanted the ball, and everyone knew what was coming — and he still made it.”
### Lakers’ Strong Response Falls Short
The Lakers fought back behind LeBron James, who tallied 34 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds. Anthony Davis added 28 points and 11 boards, showcasing dominance in the paint. Despite their balanced effort, Los Angeles struggled defensively in the final minutes, allowing Dallas crucial open looks.
Austin Reaves’ attempted game-winning three at the buzzer rimmed out, sealing the Lakers’ narrow defeat.
### Key Game Stats
- Luka Doncic: 38 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds
- Kyrie Irving: 24 points, 5 assists
- LeBron James: 34 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds
- Anthony Davis: 28 points, 11 rebounds
### Impact on the NBA Cup Standings
The win boosts Dallas’s standing in the NBA Cup group stage, giving them momentum as they push for a spot in the knockout round. For the Lakers, the loss marks a setback in an increasingly competitive Western Conference bracket.
### Postgame Reactions
LeBron James praised Doncic’s composure, saying,
> “You can’t give a guy like Luka even a second of space. He’s proven time and again he can win games with a single shot.”
The Mavericks will next face the Phoenix Suns, while the Lakers look to rebound against the Denver Nuggets.
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**Author’s summary:** A close NBA Cup clash ended with Luka Doncic leading the Mavericks past the Lakers 127–125, sealing the win with a clutch three-pointer in the final seconds.
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Red94 — 2025-11-29