The lights are bright in Dallas, but honestly, it’s a weird time to be a sports fan in North Texas. If you're looking for who won dallas game today, you've gotta be specific because the city's schedule is basically a revolving door of high-stakes drama right now.
Last night, the Dallas Mavericks took care of business at the American Airlines Center, beating the Brooklyn Nets 113-105. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement from Cooper Flagg. Then, out on the West Coast, the Dallas Stars ground out a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.
Both teams won.
But the way they did it? Totally different vibes.
The Mavericks’ New Reality: The Cooper Flagg Show
The Mavs were shorthanded. No Anthony Davis (hand ligament issues), no P.J. Washington Jr. (ankle). Usually, that's a recipe for a "schedule loss." Instead, rookie sensation Cooper Flagg decided to just take over.
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He dropped 27 points.
He had five boards.
Five assists.
Three steals.
The kid didn't turn the ball over once in 35 minutes. Think about that for a second. A 19-year-old rookie handling the rock against a Brooklyn team desperate to snap a losing streak, and he plays a clean sheet. Brooklyn’s coach, Jordi Fernández, basically admitted Flagg was "exceptional." It’s kinda wild to see a rookie play with that much "old soul" energy.
Naji Marshall was the unsung hero, though. He chipped in 22 points, including three straight buckets in the "clutch" period that basically iced the game. The Mavericks (now 15-25) really needed this to stop the bleeding after that embarrassing blowout in Chicago last Saturday.
Stars in Los Angeles: Winning "Mucky"
While the Mavs were fast-breaking, the Dallas Stars were playing what captain Jamie Benn called a "mucky" game. They beat the Kings 3-1, but for about 40 minutes, it looked like they were skating in sand.
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Jake Oettinger was the only reason the Stars stayed in it early. He made 24 saves, many of them during a second period where the Kings outshot Dallas 10-2. It was brutal to watch if you like offensive "fireworks," but if you love gritty defense, it was a masterclass.
The Turning Point
Jason Robertson—the hometown kid playing in LA—scored the game-winner with just 3:46 left. It wasn't a highlight-reel dangle. It was a weird, backhand "lob" shot from distance that somehow found a hole. Sometimes you just need the puck to bounce your way.
- Final Score: Stars 3, Kings 1.
- Key Return: Jamie Benn came back after missing three games (nasal injury) and wore a visor. He looked a bit rusty, but his presence clearly settled the locker room.
- Current Record: The Stars move to 27-10-9.
What About the Cowboys?
If you're asking about the Cowboys, you’re likely still feeling the sting of the season finale. The Cowboys' season ended back on January 4th with a 34-17 loss to the New York Giants.
They finished 4-13.
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It was a disaster of a season. Dak Prescott only played the first half of that game, and Joe Milton took the reins in the second half but couldn't spark a comeback. The "Dallas game" today isn't on the turf—it's in the front office as the team looks toward a massive offseason of rebuilding.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Dallas?
The Stars don't get a break. They’re hopping across town to play the Anaheim Ducks tonight (Tuesday, Jan 13). If you’re checking the scores late tonight, expect a tired Dallas squad trying to maintain this momentum.
For the Mavericks, the win over Brooklyn is a nice "reset" button. They’ve proven they can win without Davis, but they can't rely on Flagg to be perfect every night. The ball movement (28 assists on 43 field goals) is the real blueprint for them moving forward.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Check the Stars' Fatigue: The game against Anaheim is a back-to-back. Historically, the Stars struggle with energy in the third period of these "travel-across-LA" sets.
- Watch Flagg’s Minutes: The Mavs are leaning heavily on their rookie. Keep an eye on his efficiency; if his shooting percentage dips below 40% in the next game, it's a sign of burnout.
- Cowboys Draft Watch: Since the season is over, the focus is now on the 2026 NFL Draft. Dallas will have a high pick—likely top 5—so start scouting the interior defensive line prospects.
If you're following the live action tonight, keep an eye on the Stars' goaltending rotation; they might give Oettinger a rest and start the backup against the Ducks.