The Highest Points Scored Against the Dallas Mavericks in NBA History

Since joining the NBA in 1980, the Dallas Mavericks have been on the receiving end of some truly spectacular individual scoring outbursts. The following five players delivered the most explosive offensive performances in franchise history, with each torching the Mavs for at least 52 points in a single game.

1. Kobe Bryant - 62 points

On December 20, 2005, Kobe Bryant delivered what remains the highest-scoring performance against the Mavericks in franchise history, erupting for 62 points in just 33 minutes. The Lakers' guard was absolutely unconscious, hitting 18 of 31 from the field (putting up ten fewer shots than the rest of the Lakers combined) with 4 threes and going 22-for-25 from the charity stripe. What made the performance even more remarkable was the fact that Bryant outscored the entire Mavericks team over the course of the first three quarters, 62–61. He added 8 rebounds and 3 steals in the 112–90 blowout victory, cementing this as one of the most dominant individual performances of the 2000s. 

2. Damian Lillard - 61 points

In the Orlando bubble on August 11, 2020, Damian Lillard put on an absolute show against the Mavericks, dropping 61 points in a performance that justified why he was one of the best scorers in the game. The Trail Blazers' guard was locked in from the opening tip, shooting 17-for-32 from the field while draining 9 threes and going a perfect 18-for-18 from the free-throw line in 41 minutes of action. Dame's flawless showing from the charity stripe highlighted his complete control of the game, and he added 8 assists and 5 rebounds while leading Portland to a 134–131 victory. The performance came during Portland's desperate push for a playoff spot, and Lillard's heroics kept their postseason hopes alive in memorable fashion.

3. Stephen Curry - 57 points

On February 6, 2021, Stephen Curry delivered a vintage performance against the Mavericks, exploding for 57 points in just 37 minutes. The Warriors' guard was utterly unstoppable, hitting 19 of 31 from the field with 11 threes while going a perfect 8-for-8 from the line. Curry's 82.6% true shooting percentage stood as a testament to just how efficiently he dominated the game, and his 57.9% shooting from beyond the arc left Dallas defenders shaking their heads. Unfortunately, Curry’s scoring barrage was not enough to lead the Warriors to victory, falling 134–132.   

4. Tim Duncan - 53 points

On December 26, 2001, Tim Duncan put together the highest-scoring game of his Hall of Fame career, torching the Mavericks for 53 points in an overtime thriller. The Spurs' power forward was nearly perfect, converting 19 of 28 field goal attempts while going 15-for-15 from the charity stripe in a complete 50-minute effort. Duncan dominated the glass with 11 rebounds and added 4 assists and 3 blocks, controlling both ends of the floor in a performance that showcased why he was one of the most complete players of his generation, as neither Dirk Nowitzki nor Juwan Howard could stop the Spurs star. Despite Duncan's heroics, San Antonio fell just short in overtime, losing 126–123 in what remains one of the most impressive individual efforts in a losing cause.

5. Kevin Durant - 52 points

On January 18, 2013, Kevin Durant carved up the Mavericks for 52 points in another overtime classic. The Thunder's forward wasn’t being shy, putting up 31 shots from the field, connecting on just 13, with 5 threes, while going a perfect 21-for-21 from the charity stripe in 50 minutes. Durant's flawless free-throw shooting kept Oklahoma City in the game throughout, and he added 9 rebounds to his stat line in a complete performance. Despite KD's off night, not only did he manage to break the fifty-point mark, but he also helped the Thunder to a 117–114 victory.