Mavericks Cruise Past Thunder

The Dallas Mavericks took care of business on the road last night, cruising past the aching Oklahoma City Thunder, 127-106. I’ll be honest, I didn’t recognize most of the Thunder lineup last night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (foot), Darius Bazley (shoulder), Al Horford (organization decision), and Lu Dort (concussion) all sat out last night, as OKC turned to their young, inexperienced players.

While the Thunder’s young core played hard, the Mavs were simply too much to handle. Dallas shot 53.1% from the field, including 16-44 (36.4%) from three. They saw contributions from every player on the roster, as all 12 players saw the floor.

After emotionally and literally missing Luka Doncic the past 2 games (both losses), The Mavs’ young star scored a light 25 points, along with 7 assists and 2 steals in only 28 minutes of playing time. His running mate, Kristaps Porzingis, scored 20 points on 9/15 shooting (60%), and snatched 9 boards in 27 minutes.

Star of the Game

Tim Hardaway Jr. has emerged with a case to be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year. Coming off the bench last night, Junior scored 19 points on 6/10 shooting, including a +17 while on the floor. Timmy has a reputation for being one of the streakiest shooters in the league. Right now he’s on a hot streak, coming at a time when the Mavs need it most.

Biggest Concern

Nothing concerned me with the Mavs performance on the road last night. I’ll leave the concerns to whoever is covering OKC.

Surprise Contribution

I’ve been dying to include Jalen Brunson in one of my game recaps. Last night, he put up 9 points, 7 assists, 2 steals, and a +28.

Outside of Luka, Jalen should be on Dallas’ list of ‘unmovable’ players. I am still in shock that he was drafted in the second round in 2018 (33rd). You’re telling me 32 players are better than an NCAA Player of the Year, and a two-time National Champion? That’s like drafting a Heisman winner in the second round of the NFL draft.

Teams focus too much on upside and potential, rather than proven production. Dallas knew what they were getting with Brunson, and I applaud them for swooping in and grabbing him. He makes the right play every single time he touches the ball, whether it’s making the right pass or taking a high percentage shot. He is a left-handed Fred VanVleet.

I believe Jalen Brunson will have a ring by the time he retires. The only question is; will Dallas be the team he does it with?

Next Game

Vs Boston against my beloved Celtics, Wednesday, March 31st at 6:30pm CT