After a four-game winning streak, the Dallas Mavericks (19-27) blew a fourth-quarter lead in Luka Dončić’s return, as both the offense and defense collapsed late.
This game was a game of runs, as both teams
demonstrated long stretches of dominance, with the Lakers final run ending the game.
Let’s not waste any more time, into the grades:
Cooper Flagg: D
16 PTS / 6 AST / 7 REB / 2 STL / 0 BLK – 34 MIN
A frustrating Flagg performance headlined this game, as he missed plenty of easy shots, and had very uneven aggression.
Flagg struggled to capitalize on some of his easy shots, as he blew some shots he would normally make. He also struggled from behind the arc, as his elevation and shot form was inconsistent.
While a bad game from Cooper is frustrating his process was good, and he made multiple impact plays defensively. Overall, Flagg almost always bounces back from a down performance, so expect a great game on Sunday.
Max Christie: A
24 PTS / 3 AST / 2 REB / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 35 MIN
Cormac Karl “Max” Christie continues to showcase his expanding skillset, as his three-level scoring was on display. Christie was able to leverage his three point shooting by attacking closeouts and mismatches, which is a skill that has become incredibly valuable in the modern NBA.
Christie is a foundational piece of this team, and every game only solidifies his position as the second most important player on the team.
Naji Marshall: B+
21 PTS / 2 AST / 11 REB / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 37 MIN
While the Mavericks’ season has been incredibly uneven, Marshall’s contributions have been a steady constant in every game. His short-range shot-making gave the Lakers problems all game long, and he also popped on the offensive glass.
This type of shot making provides a unique spacing advantage, as even though his three point shooting is lacking, defenders still have to show him respect on the perimeter.
Should the Mavericks trade Naji? Maybe, but only if significant draft compensation is involved.
Caleb Martin: A+
17 PTS / 1 AST / 3 REB / 1 STL / 2 BLK – 24 MIN
A few months ago, I called Caleb Martin the worst player in the NBA.
Oh how things have changed.
Martin has started the last six games and has provided very solid production offensively, which is a stark difference to the first 30 games of the year.
If Martin can keep this up, he could solidify himself as a rotational player for next year’s squad.
Dwight Powell: C
0 PTS / 2 AST / 7 REB / 2 STL / 1 BLK – 24 MIN
Dwight Powell was unfortunately on the other side of the vaunted Doncic pick-and-roll game, and Powell was hunted all night.
Powell can be a solid spot starter and rotational big, but his limitations were on full display in this game. He also struggled to finish at the rim, which hurt especially bad in the 4th quarter.
Daniel Gafford: C-
2 PTS / 1 AST / 2 REB / 0 STL / 2 BLK – 16 MIN
Daniel Gafford continues to stack forgettable performances, struggling to impact the game in any real aspect.
While he was on a minutes restriction, the 16 minutes he did play were unimpactful.
The Mavericks should should heavily explore Gafford trade options, as he no longer fits this roster or system.
P.J. Washington: D-
2 PTS / 3 REB / 0 AST / 1 STL / 1 BLK – 26 MIN
If the Mavericks are going to win games, they cannot survive this level of performance from Washington, as it was a throwback to his days with the Charlotte Hornets.
It’s no secret that Washington feasted on the easy looks that Dončić created, but the utter void of offensive production is incredibly worrying.
Not only has his offense been mediocre, but his elite defensive impact has not been felt.
While I’m not giving up on Washington, questions have to be asked as to whether he makes sense on the team long-term.
