The Dallas Mavericks took on the Minnesota Timberwolves Friday night in their first game since the All-Star break on Friday. Losers of nine-straight coming into the night, Dallas dropped their tenth in a row, 122-111.
Let’s get to the grades!
Tyus Jones: B+
13 PTS / 1 REB / 6 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 26 MIN
Jones had his best game in his as-yet short time in Dallas. He combined with Brandon Williams to give the Mavs excellent production from the point guard position, which is something that hasn’t often been said about Dallas this season. If he can play with this type of efficiency and poise, it will certainly help Dallas in a position of need.
Naji Marshall: B-
15 PTS / 5 REB / 3 AST / 3 STL / 0 BLK – 33 MIN
Marshall struggled with his shot most of the night, finishing 5-for-16, detracting from his grade. He did a bit of everything and had some nice moments, but you can’t help but think that one of his hot shooting nights could have made a big difference in the outcome.
Khris Middleton: B+
18 PTS / 7 REB / 2 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 30 MIN
Middleton was the steadying force offensively when the Mavs were down big in the first half. He didn’t blow the doors off, but very much kept Dallas connected when things could have really gone south. He continued his steady play throughout the game.
P.J. Washington: C
12 PTS / 12 REB / 2 AST / 2 STL / 0 BLK – 36 MIN
Washington had solid numbers but his actual game left a bit to be desired. He was roasted on defense on more than one occasion, missed a pair of free throws that could have tied the game in the third quarter, and had a few strange sequences where he rebounded his own miss only to miss again.
Daniel Gafford: C-
8 PTS / 5 REB / 2 AST / 2 STL / 3 BLK – 24 MIN
Gafford was similar to Washington in that his stat line was fine, but the actual game saw him getting outplayed by both Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert and his own teammate Marvin Bagley who was backing him up in a bench role.
Brandon Williams: B+
13 PTS / 1 REB / 4 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 18 MIN
Williams paired with Jones for a nice showing from the point guard position. Like Jones, Williams’ damage wasn’t boisterous, but it was efficient and productive. Nice game penetrating and scoring while also getting his teammates involved.
Klay Thompson: C
11 PTS / 0 REB / 2 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 28 MIN
With under two minutes remaining in the third quarter, Thompson was 0-for-5 from the floor and his only measurable stat was a single personal foul. He hit a three-pointer before the quarter ended and had a positive fourth quarter, but this one is easy enough to move on from.
Marvin Bagley: A+
15 PTS / 13 REB / 0 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK – 24 MIN
Bagley continues to bring it every night and is endearing himself each time out. Watching him away from the play on Friday night showed how much he battles and how well he positions himself to have an impact both tangibly and intangibly. Bagley as part of a more complete and healthy team has a lot of appeal at this early juncture of his Mavs’ tenure. Fantastic game, especially off the bench in limited minutes.
Final Thoughts
Dallas was outclassed in almost every facet of the game for much of the first half, but again would just not go away. Some of that was due to Minnesota falling off, but credit to Dallas for not letting this turn into the 30-point blowout it easily could have been by halftime.
I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.