In a game that was billed as a historic clash between two rookie sensations, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel both delivered in a back and forth game that Dallas lost 123-121.
Flagg poured in a historic 49
point game, while Kon exploded for 34, including the game winning free throws.
To the grades!
Cooper Flagg: A+
49 PTS / 10 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK – 38 MIN
When the Mavericks drafted Cooper Flagg, it singlehandedly saved the franchise, and so far he has far exceeded every single lofty expectation.
His defense, passing, and IQ were to be expected, but this kind of scoring output was seen as an eventual ceiling, not an immediate skill. Many draft analysts even questioned if he could ever be a number one option.
Scoring at this level at his age has never been seen before, as he became the first teenager to ever score more than 45 points in a game, something even Lebron could not accomplish.
While this season has been tough to get through, games like this are why we tune in every single night, because you never know when Cooper Flagg will make history.
P.J. Washington: D-
14 PTS / 9 REB / 3 AST / 1 STL / 2 BLK – 35 MIN
P.J. Washington has not been good this year, and when the Mavericks have needed him, he has come up short.
While his box score numbers aren’t bad, his efficiency was terrible, and he frequently hijacked possessions with ill-advised drives.
If P.J. continues this kind of play, the Mavericks have to seek out trade suitors for Washington.
Daniel Gafford: C
5 PTS / 4 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 25 MIN
It is not a hot take to say that Daniel Gafford is currently the worst center on the Mavericks roster.
Now, whether it due to injury, or a lack of Luka lobs, Gafford has simply been bad for most of this season. His usual effort and energy has not been felt, and his automatic shot making around the rim has abandoned him.
Until he can get fully healthy, the Mavericks should continue to give more minutes to both Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell.
Caleb Martin: B
6 PTS / 11 REB / 2 AST / 1 STL / 2 BLK – 27 MIN
Perhaps the most shocking turnaround this season has been Caleb Martin, who has become a valuable role player for this team.
This game in particular showcased his defensive value, as he contributed 3 STOCKS, and was flying around all game long.
If the Mavericks choose to move off of some of their wing depth at the trade deadline, Martin seems poised to take on a larger role.
Max Christie: C
13 PTS/ 3 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK – 29 MIN
The Cormac caravan has unfortunately ground to a halt due to Christie’s recent cold stretch.
The Mavericks desperately missed his shooting in this game, as he went only 1-7. This type of shooting from Christie usually spells doom for their chances, as there isn’t going to be shooting from many others on the roster.
Hopefully Christie can break out of his slump, because the Mavericks cannot survive without him.
Klay Thompson: B-
16 PTS / 3 REB / 1 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 27 MIN
With the trade deadline 1 week away, we may be approaching the final games for Klay Thompson in a Maverick uniform.
Klay was solid in this game, but his defense on Kon Knueppel left much to be desired, as the rookie sniper had plenty of success generating space.
If Klay does get traded, I have no doubt that he can still provide a spark of scoring off the bench.
