The Dallas Mavericks drop a close one to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night, falling 102-96. A clearly exhausted Cooper Flagg was unable to carry the Mavericks in the clutch as they failed to build
upon last night’s momentum. With all that being said, let’s get into the grades.
Cooper Flagg: D+
12 PTS / 7 REB / 1 AST / 1 STL / 1 BLK – 33 MIN
A trend has begun to show within Cooper Flagg’s young career; Struggling on the second night of back to back’s. Cooper had a putrid game from the field as he shot 4-of-15, and missed plenty of shots he usually hits. As usual Cooper’s defense was solid, and a clutch time three raises his grade. Overall a learning moment for the young 18 year old, and knowing him, expect a bounce back on Monday.
Klay Thompson: B+
22 PTS / 1 REB / 0 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 28 MIN
The captain was steering the ship in a good direction tonight, as he made 6-of-12 threes. Klay’s off ball movement and shot making was beautiful to watch, showing why a team should trade a first for him. Unfortunately this grade is dragged down by a terrible shot in the clutch, as Klay forced a logo three instead of passing and finding a better shot. Still, a very good game from Klay, who proves that he still has some good basketball left in the tank.
Brandon Williams: A-
18 PTS / 3 REB / 4 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 32 MIN
Another good game from Brandon Williams, who not only scored at a high level, but showed off some passing chops. Williams notched four assists to one turnover, and shot much better from the field than last night. His constant rim pressure is an absolute necessity for this team, with very few players being quicker than B-Will. With this performance, Williams should have the starting point guard role locked up moving forward.
P.J. Washington: C
15 PTS / 8 REB / 4 AST / 1 STL / 2 BLK – 32 MIN
Simply put, not his best game. PJ had a great defensive game, but like Flagg, shot poorly from the field, going 7-of-17. Washington scored seven in the second half, struggling to finish plays, being stuffed by Zach Edey on multiple occasions. He also contributed to the Mavericks putrid day on the glass. Overall, a middling performance from Washington, who needs to be better if this team wants to win.
Daniel Gafford: D-
6 PTS / 8 REB / 4 AST / 0 STL / 2 BLK – 27 MIN
I often dislike single game plus minus, as it often doesn’t the story of a player’s game, but it applies in this instance. Gafford was a team worst minus-13 from the field, and was massively outplayed by Memphis big man Zach Edey. Gafford was helpless on the glass, and the Grizzlies outrebounded the Mavs 61-41, and racked up 29 second chance points. With no Dereck Lively, the Mavericks needed a much better performance from Gafford, who unfortunately did not provide what was needed.
Max Christie: C+
9 PTS / 3 REB / 0 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 22 MIN
A relatively ho-hum performance from Christie, who was mostly inoffensive in this game. Christie continues his hot shooting, but did not receive many attempts, only going 1-for-2. This will be an interesting stat to follow, as I wonder if teams will begin to treat Christie as a legitimate three point threat. Hopefully the Mavericks can find more three point attempts for Christie on Monday.
Caleb Martin: F-
2 PTS / 0 REB / 0 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 12 MIN
Where do you even begin with Caleb Martin. It is not hyperbolic to call Martin one of the worst players that gets real minutes. His three point shot is simply an affront to Dr James Naismith’s game, and anytime he shoots a three it should count as a turnover. I do not care if the Mavs are missing players, Martin is simply unplayable in his current form.
Another clutch game, another clutch loss. The Mavericks have to find something else for clutch time offense that isn’t just… Cooper Flagg. Also, why is Dereck Lively sitting out back to back’s while also being on a minutes restriction? Overall a terribly boring game to watch, and a bad omen for this team going forward, as a brutal road stretch awaits them.
