Dallas Mavericks ride Daniel Gafford finish as the Atlanta Hawks stack quarters in Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks moved to 23-47 after a 135-120 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, who improved to 38-31 at American Airlines Center. The Dallas Mavericks vs Atlanta Hawks final score reflected Atlanta’s 37-30 edge in the opening quarter and a game with 0 ties.

First quarter

The Hawks opened with 37 points while the Dallas Mavericks scored 30, and Atlanta shot 54 percent from the field in the game. The Mavs produced 21 fast-break points, but their 19 turnovers set up Atlanta’s 23 points off turnovers.

Second quarter

The Hawks added a 30-26 second quarter to reach 67 at halftime, and Atlanta’s 36 assists controlled the tempo. Big D got to the line for 29 free throws and made 25, while the Hawks went 11-for-14 at the stripe.

Third quarter

Atlanta won the third quarter 34-26, and the Hawks’ 72 points in the paint came on 62 percent finishing in the lane. The Mavs answered with 56 points in the paint and 53 total rebounds, and Daniel Gafford’s 24 points and 8 rebounds anchored the interior work.

Fourth quarter

The Mavs closed the fourth quarter 38-34, and the bench contributed 55 points in the push. P.J. Washington posted 23 points with 9 rebounds, Ryan Nembhard delivered 12 assists, and Cooper Flagg finished with 17 points while the Hawks held their lead behind 14 made three-pointers.

Dallas Mavericks vs Atlanta Hawks final thoughts start with Atlanta’s 40 percent shooting from three and a 61 percent effective field goal rate that traveled through all 4 quarters. This post-game report Dallas Mavericks note also lands on the Mavs’ 1.44 assist-to-turnover ratio against Atlanta’s 3.27 mark, and the Dallas Mavericks final whistle reaction can’t ignore that the Hawks led for 47:29.

The Mavs next game is scheduled at 8:30 PM EDT on 3/21/2026, with the Los Angeles Clippers visiting American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Fans can watch on KFAA, KTLA, or FDSSC, then drop back for more recap coverage and share this article with other Big D fans.