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The Dallas Mavericks, still without Cooper Flagg, started their longest road trip in 15 years, taking on the Charlotte Hornets. The six-game trip got off on the wrong foot with a 117-90 loss.
Let’s get to the grades!
Brandon Williams: B+
18 PTS / 4 REB / 1 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK – 27 MIN
Williams was aggressive on both sides of the ball, setting an early tone driving and staying connected defensively. He notched his eighth-straight game in double-figure scoring on 4-for-10 shooting and was the Mavs’ leading scorer throughout nearly the entire night. He led the parade to the free throw line for Dallas and was excellent when he got there, converting at a 10-for-11 clip.
Max Christie: C-
11 PTS / 5 REB / 1 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 33 MIN
Christie couldn’t find the range but took a bit too long to pivot away from the longball in favor of driving more frequently. When he did the latter, better things happened. If you’re going to lead the team in shot attempts (15), converting more than 28% is a requirement.
Khris Middleton: B
9 PTS / 9 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 29 MIN
Middleton was a mixed bag, having chipped in solid point and rebound totals, but he turned the ball over often (three) and committed four fouls. Not his best night as a Mav, although a somewhat janky substitution pattern may have contributed to him not finding his flow.
P.J. Washington: B
13 PTS / 2 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 28 MIN
Washington’s output was very similar to Middleton’s, though he had fewer fouls and turnovers. The grade lands the same, however, as Washington was a near non-factor on the boards and had some bone-head plays that suggest he’s working his way back, which is exactly what he’s doing after a three-game absence.
Daniel Gafford: B
10 PTS / 5 REB / 2 AST / 2 STL / 1 BLK – 22 MIN
If taking shots to the head were a measure of success, Gafford would be MVP. He was the unfortunate recipient of a few blows that sent him to the floor, but nothing that kept him down for long. He had a much better game on Tuesday night than he has in recent days, though it’s not hard to imagine an even more efficient shooting night and/or a higher rebounding total.
John Poulakidas: N/A
0 PTS / 5 REB / 2 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 14 MIN
Making his Mavs’ debut, Poulakidas did a nice job. For a two-way player with virtually zero reps, pulling in five rebounds and dishing two dimes isn’t too shabby. Of course, we wanted to see the shooter shoot, but he instead deferred to his teammates so we’ll have to wait until at least next game to see what he can do in that department.
Dwight Powell: B
12 PTS / 4 REB / 3 AST / 1 STL / 1 BLK – 26 MIN
Powell was an efficient 3-for-5 from the floor to go along with 6-for-8 from the free throw line, doing little bits of everything. Unfortunately everything included two turnovers and three fouls along with nearly killing Ryan Nembhard in an all too familiar friendly fire collision.
Final Thoughts
Dallas reversed things this game, keeping close early and coming unglued at the end. To be plus-18 points from the free throw line, yet getting destroyed by a 27-point margin is puzzling (it was the three-point shooting that did it, if you’re curious). We’ll see what the rest of the road trip will bring!
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