The return of Cooper Flagg netted an all too familiar feeling for Mavericks fans; another clutch loss.
The Mavericks fought hard all night, but as usual were unable to execute in the clutch, leading to the Magic stealing an improbable win.
Without further ado… let’s grade the Mavericks
Cooper Flagg: A
18 PTS / 5 REB / 6 AST / 1 STL / 5 BLK -26 MIN
After what felt like an eternity, Cooper Flagg finally made his return to the lineup.
It’s wasn’t Flagg’s best shooting game, as his touch was clearly rusty, but he impacted the game in a multitude of ways. His defense
was especially impressive, as his rim protection was felt all night, including an incredible sequence towards the end of the game.
His ability to effect the game in so many ways, on both ends, is what separates him in the rookie-of-the-year race, and makes his potential so tantalizing.
Khris Middleton: B
19 PTS / 2 REB / 7 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK -32 MIN
Khris Middleton may be older than time itself, but he can still get buckets.
Middleton’s off-ball ability and scoring chops have proven to be very valuable for this team, and could be very valuable for next year.
Daniel Gafford: B
12 PTS / 13 REB / 1 AST / 0 STL / 2 BLK -25 MIN
While Daniel Gafford had a good statistical performance, he still had a very frustrating game.
This mainly boils down to his sheer lack of awareness defensively, as he often finds himself completely out-of-position, which included the game winning shot by Wendell Carter Jr.
Max Christie: C-
6 PTS / 3 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK -28 MIN
Max Christie receives this grade simply because he was nearly invisible during the game, contributing nothing on either offense of defense.
P.J. Washington: B+
18 PTS / 5 REB / 1 AST / 2 STL / 1 BLK -33 MIN
P.J. Washington has had an incredibly frustrating season, but has begun to find his form in the last month.
While this won’t quell the trade rumors that are sure to follow him into the offseason, it is nice to see the old, uber-impactful version of Washington.
Klay Thompson: A+
24 PTS / 4 REB / 1 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK -26 MIN
Klay Thompson may be washed in many aspects, he can still shoot the ball with the absolute best of them.
Thompson’s ability to make threes from any angle is so unique, and could be so valuable for next year’s Mavericks.
Naji Marshall: D-
6 PTS / 4 REB / 5 AST / 2 STL / 0 BLK -25 MIN
In a game that was decided by one point, Naji Marshall’s scoring was missed dearly, as he struggled to find any offense.
The one positive was his playmaking, as he racked up five assists.
