Background and Context
The NBA Mexico City Game 2025 brought the league back to Mexico City for the 34th time, with the Detroit Pistons defeating the Dallas Mavericks 122-110 at the Arena CDMX on November 1, 2025. This victory marked the Pistons’ second win in Mexico and their first in 30 years, following a 1995 triumph over the Washington Bullets (now Wizards).
The Mavericks, with a history of playing more games in Mexico than any other NBA team, faced their fourth loss in the country. They had previously played eight games in Mexico, tying with the San Antonio Spurs. In contrast, the Pistons had only played three games in Mexico, with two of those being part of the regular season schedule.
Key Players and Performance
Jalen Duren, a Pistons player since 2022, led the scoring with 33 points, securing the victory for his team. Other notable performances came from young Mavericks players Cooper Flagg and Max Christie, who were making their NBA debuts. Flagg, an 18-year-old rookie from Duke University, was the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Cade Cunningham, a 24-year-old Pistons player and the first pick in the 2021 Draft, also received a warm welcome from the Mexican audience.
Max Christie, at 22, showcased his skills with 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists for the Mavericks.
Historical Significance
The Pistons’ win in Mexico City ended a 30-year drought, with their only previous victory coming on October 29, 1995, against the Washington Bullets. The Mavericks, despite their high prestige and extensive experience in Mexico, suffered their fourth loss in the country.
The game was marked by a pre-match delay due to a malfunctioning digital scoreboard, which was promptly fixed during halftime. The atmosphere in the Arena CDMX was vibrant, with fans donning masks, calaveras, and alebrijes, reflecting the Day of the Dead celebrations that preceded the event.
Notable Attendees
The game featured a historic tribute to NBA legends, including Eduardo Nájera, Sancho Lyttle, Greivis Vásquez, Carlos Arroyo, Shawn Marion, and Horacio Llamas, the first Mexican in NBA history. Ex-footballers Ricardo Osorio and George Corral, musician Jay De la Cueva, and Diablos Rojos del México coach Nicolás Casalánguida were also present.
The national anthems were performed by Mariangela for Mexico and Jacqie Rivera for the United States.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who were the key players in the game? Jalen Duren of the Pistons led scoring with 33 points, while Cooper Flagg and Max Christie of the Mavericks made their NBA debuts and contributed significantly.
- Why was this game significant for the Detroit Pistons? The victory marked the Pistons’ second win in Mexico and their first in 30 years, ending a long-standing drought.
- What was the historical context of the Mavericks in Mexico? The Mavericks had played more games in Mexico than any other NBA team, with eight appearances. However, they suffered their fourth loss in the country.
- What made this game unique? The event took place before the Day of the Dead celebrations, adding a vibrant cultural element to the atmosphere. Additionally, a pre-match delay due to a malfunctioning scoreboard was resolved during halftime.
Final Thoughts
