NEW YORK — The first set of boos at Madison Square Garden broke out just 4 minutes and 50 seconds into the second quarter as Cooper Flagg took his speed to another gear and scored a transition layup to give the Mavericks an 18-point lead.
New York Knicks coach Mike Brown instantly called a timeout and Flagg roared to celebrate his hot start to his first game in Madison Square Garden as a pro. Another set of boos followed when Max Christie sank his sixth 3-pointer of the first half, part of a phenomenal shooting performance for the fourth-year guard.
While all eyes were on Flagg entering the showdown, Christie stole the show and helped the Mavericks upset the Knicks in a 114-97 win on Monday.
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The victory was impressive, given the Mavericks were severely shorthanded. They played without five rotation players, including PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford. Meanwhile, Brown had access to use every Knicks player on a standard contract, including former Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson.
The Knicks entered the primetime showdown, part of the league’s annual MLK Day slate, as losers of eight of their last 11 games. The Mavericks were winners of two consecutive games over the floundering Utah Jazz.
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Despite the significant talent gap in their last two opponents, Dallas continued its scorching hot shooting primarily because Christie tapped into a 3-point shooting zone not seen at Madison Square Garden by a Mavericks player since Tim Hardaway Jr. connected on eight triples on Dec. 3, 2022.
Christie led all scorers with 26 points and six rebounds. He made a career-high eight 3-pointers from beyond the arc, which tied Hardaway’s franchise record of the most 3-pointers at The World’s Most Famous Arena. Of his 11 field goals, one was a floater, taking a page out of the book of his teammate Naji Marshall, who had 19 points and eight rebounds.
Christie’s eighth 3-pointer occurred in the third quarter and it appeared that he would tie the franchise record for most 3-pointers (10) in a single-game, but the Knicks increased their defensive pressure and wouldn’t allow the sharpshooter to get open.
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The record will stay with the trio of Hardaway, Wesley Matthews and George McCloud.
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Despite not reaching 10 3s, Christie still had a career night. Prior to Monday, Christie’s career-high in 3-point makes was five. His eight triples adds to what’s been his best shooting season since entering the NBA in 2022. He’s shooting 45.9% from beyond the arc, going 101 of 220 on 3-point attempts so far this season.
Flagg, who returned to action after missing the baseball series against the Jazz with a left ankle sprain, added 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
It marked Flagg’s first time playing at Madison Square Garden since last February when his Duke Blue Devils defeated Illinois on Feb. 22, 2025. It was apparent the arena was a familiar environment early in the second quarter when he went on a quick run.
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He scored on the first possession of both quarters in the first half, which helped establish a rhythm. He connected on his first four shots, which included a turnaround jumper over Landry Shamet and a 3-pointer from from the top of the key. By the time, Flagg raced to the hoop for his quick transition bucket, the Mavericks were already in the driver’s seat, headed for their third straight win.
“It’s always exciting to play here in the Garden,” said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. “Any time you can come to the Garden, it’s exciting because it’s one of the best arenas in the world.”
Flagg wasn’t the only rookie to make his pro debut at MSG. The Mavericks had four rookies accomplish the feat, along with two-ways Moussa Cisse, Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly. Cisse added 15 points, nine rebounds and four blocks. Nembhard had four points, three assists and five rebounds.
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The Mavericks have reeled off three straight wins, but their week gets tougher as they’ll host the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers closer to the weekend.
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