RSS Mavericks Team Notes

[Dallas Mavericks]

Player Grades: Mavericks vs Spurs, again

Feb 7, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Marvin Bagley III blocks a shot by San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks took on the San Antonio Spurs for the second time in three nights. With their season-long losing streak at six games, Dallas was unable to stop the skid, losing 138-125.

Let’s get to the grades!

Naji Marshall: C​

6 PTS / 3 REB / 5 AST / 3 STL / 0 BLK – 25 MIN​

Marshall couldn’t replicate his performance from Thursday, missing just about every shot he took and impacting the game very little. His assists, rebounds and steals keep him out of the basement, but not by much.

Max Christie: C+​

17 PTS / 3 REB / 3 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 27 MIN​

Christie did not have a good game anyway you slice it, but some of the intangible things put the highlights on the mess. He had his shot blocked multiple times, got burned on defense multiple times and just generally looked out of sorts. His plus/minus was a minus-23, only outdone by Cooper Flagg.

Cooper Flagg: C​

14 PTS / 4 REB / 4 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 26 MIN​

Flagg was solid, but ultimately not assertive enough. He had relatively few touches and couldn’t impact the game all that much on the defensive side of the ball. He actually managed to outdo Christie’s plus-minus with a mind bending minus-31.

Caleb Martin: B-​

11 PTS / 5 REB / 2 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 24 MIN​

Martin was fine in somewhat limited minutes, but like just about everyone else on the team, had little to speak of on the defensive end. The positive about Martin is that he looks like a capable NBA player again, after his early tenure in Dallas legitimately looked like it could be the end of his time in the league. He knocked in a few shots and it probably would have been a solid contribution if anything else went right for the team overall.

Daniel Gafford: C​

9 PTS / 4 REB / 2 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 18 MIN​

Gafford wasn’t in the flow of the game much of the time he was on the floor. He had plenty more rebounding opportunities than he capitalized on and his fouls-per-minute ratio was egregious. With the number of fouls, you would think he was physical, but that wasn’t the case and that’s ultimately the real problem — Gafford is too big and athletic to not bully better than he did tonight.

Klay Thompson: B+​

19 PTS / 1 REB / 2 AST / 2 STL / 0 BLK – 19 MIN​

Thompson is one of the trickier grades night-to-night. Saturday was not the first time he had an A-plus game going for a quarter or two, but then came back down to earth. His overall performance was arguably more than you could expect most nights, nearly scoring a point per minute played, but I confess some generosity on his grade, as he was in some ways just the best of a bad Mavs’ game.

Marvin Bagley III: A+​

16 PTS / 12 REB / 2 AST / 1 STL / 4 BLK – 24 MIN​

What a debut for Bagley! No, it wasn’t a career best game, but if you told me he’d score six points to go along with three boards, two assists, a steal and two blocks for the game, I would have been impressed. He did that in his first nine minutes. Bagley looked thrilled to be in a new environment and he fit in much better than could be expected for a guy who just got here. He showed quick hands, high energy and good rotations. Free throws were the only particularly ugly thing. It’s difficult to grade a player in his first outing, but benefit of the doubt given for playing like he did immediately after being traded.

Brandon Williams: A​

18 PTS / 3 REB / 4 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 23 MIN​

Some of it came in garbage time, but Williams had a nice game from start to finish. He hit 8-for-12 from the floor, only turned it over once and chipped in little bits everywhere. This was a nice game that got lost in a bad game, much like Bagley’s.

Final thoughts​

Dallas got rolled, and it happened quickly after a game that was competitive and entertaining for nearly the entire first half. In hindsight, this one was over a few minutes into the third quarter. A feel good post-trade win would have been nice to stem the tide on a lengthy losing streak, but take solace in the ever-improving draft status at least. I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...-davis-victor-wembanyama-wemby-stephon-castle

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Stats Rundown: 3 numbers to know from another Mavericks loss to the Spurs

SAN ANTONIO, TX -FEBRUARY 7: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Dallas Mavericks grabs a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on February 7, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks lost to the San Antonio Spurs again, 138-125 Saturday afternoon in San Antonio. This was the Mavericks second straight loss to the Spurs, and they are now 0-3 on the season against their in-division rival. All three games have been blowout, double-digit losses.

This game was eerily similar to Thursday’s game, with it starting out fun enough in the first half with high-tempo, up-and-down play, before the Spurs eventually steamrolled with their superior talent advantage.

Spurs guard Stephon Castle had a career night with a 40-point triple-double: 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists. Brandon Williams led the Mavericks in scoring with 18 points off the bench.

Dallas has now lost seven in a row and are firmly outside of even sniffing the play-in tournament. Let’s get to the numbers.

25: Spurs made field goals in the restricted area​

Dallas actually did a lot of things well in this game, believe it or not. They were significantly better in turnovers, even on the offensive glass, and even shot a better percentage from three while making one more three than the Spurs did. If the Mavericks are even or win two of those three categories they usually stand a good chance of winning. Instead they were down by 28 points in the third quarter. Why? The Spurs had a layup line to the rim all day.

San Antonio went 25-of-36 in the restricted area, and both the makes and attempts are startling. The Spurs scored a preposterous 74 points in the paint. Dallas had absolutely nothing for San Antonio at the rim, and the Mavericks elected to play small for most of the game when Daniel Gafford wasn’t in. The Spurs took full advantage and took the ball to the basket hard the entire game.

12: Cooper Flagg shot attempts​

Dallas trailed for the majority of this game, and mostly by double-digits, so the minutes and shot distribution are bound to look a little wonky. Even with that qualifier, it was weird that Cooper Flagg only had 12 attempts in his 26 minutes.

He appeared to bang up his shoulder early in the game, and perhaps that led to him being a bit out of it. However for a lot of his minutes he was parked in the corner and off ball without much movement or actions to try to get him the ball. Dallas had seven total players attempt 10 or more shots, and two players shot more than Flagg and both were bench guys (Klay Thompson and the newly acquired Marvin Bagley)

Regardless of the Spurs defense, Flagg’s healthy, or the game script, Flagg just has to be more involved in these games, especially if Dallas is already not predisposed to winning at the moment.

4: Marvin Bagley blocked shots​

It was a fairly impressive debut for Bagley, by far the player with the most juice acquired in the Anthony Davis trade. AJ Johnson is two years away from being two years away, and Khris Middleton is just veteran flotsam at this point. Bagley has been a disappointment since being selected second overall in 2018, but he’s somewhat stabilized his career as a bouncy backup big that just sorta hangs around the rim and tries to do stuff. It’s a far cry from the star potential he showed at Duke, but at least it’s something.

He showed that newfound stabilization with Dallas right away in his first game. He finishes with a double-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks. The four blocks were the only four blocks the Mavericks had as a team. He did only shoot 6-of-14 from the field, and most of those misses were right at the basket, but it was still a fun debut from a still young and talented player.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...know-from-another-mavericks-loss-to-the-spurs

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Mavericks vs Spurs Final Score: Dallas loses to San Antonio, 138-125

SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 7: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs and Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks go up for a jump ball during the game on February 7, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks were blown out Saturday evening by the San Antonio Spurs, 138-125. Stephon Castle put on a basketball clinic for the Spurs, posting 40 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, and three steals. Klay Thompson was the high point man for Dallas off the bench with 19. The Mavericks have now lost seven in a row.

There was a furious pace to the early minutes of the game, and the Spurs took full advantage of a questionable Dallas transition defense. Head coach Jason Kidd was forced to call a timeout with San Antonio going up 16-6 following a Flagg turnover where he appeared to hurt his shoulder. New Maverick Marvin Bagley burst out of the timeout with a couple of hustle baskets. A Brandon Williams three forced a Spurs timeout with Dallas down 21-18. The Mavericks kept the energy high all period but San Antonio had an answer for every Dallas shot. They weathered the Dallas push and closed out the first quarter up 39-32.

The Mavericks continued to fight in the second frame, taking their first lead at 8:30 on a Caleb Martin drive and finish. As the period wore on, the Spurs finally matched the Dallas energy; slowly and surely they overtook the Mavericks on the scoreboard. An end-of-quarter scoring flurry put the Spurs up by 14 as Dallas could not match the talent level San Antonio put out on the floor. Dallas entered halftime down 81-67.

Nearly all season long, the Mavericks have made a living off of simply playing hard. They’ve stayed in games due to consistent effort married to reasonable enough talent. But the third quarter against the Spurs was one of the rare times that energy just didn’t matter. The Spurs thumped Dallas, growing the lead bit by bit. The Mavericks simply couldn’t hang. Halfway through the period, the San Antonio lead grew to 24. There was a Cooper injury scare (maybe his third of the game?) in the frame where his foot bent at a concerning angle, but he seemed fine. The Spurs led going into the fourth 116-91.

The final quarter was largely about Castle beating the brakes off Dallas and everyone getting out of the game without an injury. Dallas tried to eat into the lead, but could not stop the Spurs from scoring. Dallas fell to San Antonio, 138-125.

Dallas is a long way off from what San Antonio is doing​

There’s optimism among the Dallas fanbase, and there absolutely should be. Cooper Flagg rules and clearing off a bunch of salary, which will allow the Mavericks a chance to build something new, is important. But make no mistake: Dallas has a long way to go to even being a playoff team in my view.

Kyrie Irving’s return will be great if he stays in Dallas. A top-tier draft pick will also help and if the Mavericks get lucky, that may change my view somewhat. But compared to the Spurs, they lack in every area. That’s not an insult either, the Spurs are loaded for bear and ready to go try and win a title. But there are levels to this whole NBA contender thing, and Dallas is much closer to the bottom of the league than the NBA playoffs, and I think the optimism folks are feeling is blurring just how much this team actually needs. But one player can change things, and you never know what happens in the lottery and in free agency. Maybe I’m wrong here, but getting bushwhacked by the Spurs in two straight games puts a damper on my positivity.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...-antonio-cooper-flagg-victor-wembanyama-recap

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

The night Seth Trimble stole the show from Cam Boozer and Caleb Wilson to become a North Carolina legend

Feb 7, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) celebrates with teammates after the game at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

While the Dallas Mavericks were in the middle of being handed their seventh consecutive loss, the best day of college basketball to date this season was unfolding. The rivalry that is Duke and Carolina delivered once again. Illinois and Michigan State went to overtime. Kentucky overcame a 14-point deficit to beat Tennessee. And potential top picks AJ Dybantsa and Kingston Flemings battled in the nightcap. It was a fantastic day, and as a wise Jon Rothstein says: This is only February.

Prospect of the week: Seth Trimble (Guard, North Carolina)​

Stat of the week: Became a Tar Heel legend​

In last week’s preview, I wrote the following about Duke visiting UNC:

“Performances in this game go down in the school’s lore forever. Who’s going to step up?”

THIS RIVALRY DOES NOT DISAPPOINT

SETH TRIMBLE GAME-WINNER FOR NORTH CAROLINA pic.twitter.com/uVsOm9DIav

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 8, 2026

Seth Trimble, welcome to your moment! In a game that featured two freshmen who likely will be top five picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, it was the senior who had stuck it out for four years at UNC that became an icon in this rivalry. Now, that’s not to say that Cam Boozer and Caleb Wilson were bad. Boozer had a rough first half but was excellent in the final 20 minutes, while Caleb Wilson started hot before a quieter second half. But when the game was on the line, it was Trimble to deliver the heroics. As Caleb Wilson said after the game, he knew when the shot was released “that sh*t’s cash,”.

Trimble is likely to be a second-round pick in the draft, but there’s a place for guys like him in the NBA. He’s not a point guard, but he’s able to handle it well enough to get the job done. Trimble’s best qualities are that he’s fantastic in transition, a must to play at North Carolina, and being a good rebounder for his size. Plus, over the course of four years, he’s worked himself into being a pretty good shooter, as evidenced by the game winner. In that range of the draft, you’re just looking for traits or being good at specific things. Because of that, I believe that Trimble is worth a flier.

Games of the week​

Monday, February 9th​

NC State at Louisville – 6:00 p.m. CT (ESPN)​

Arizona at Kansas – 8:00 p.m. CT (ESPN)​

Is Mikel Brown Jr. going to snap out of the funk he’s been in? Ever since returning from his back injury, Brown Jr. has struggled with turnovers and has been very inefficient from the floor. The talent is in there, but it’s time to see it again.

The “Big Monday” nightcap is a dandy, as Darryn Peterson and the Jayhawks will host the number one team in the country for the first time in program history. Arizona is undefeated for a reason, they’re very good and maybe the most sound team in the country. However, they’re about to embark on maybe the toughest seven game stretch you’ll see in the country, starting off with this trip to Allen Fieldhouse. If Kansas can get some threes knocked down at home, Arizona could be upset here. Brayden Burries is your x-factor here. If he knocks down shots for Arizona, they’ll be in good shape.

Tuesday, February 10th​

North Carolina at Miami – 6:00 p.m. CT (ESPN)​

Wisconsin at Illinois – 7:00 p.m. CT (Peacock)​

The theme for Tuesday is “following up”. Is North Carolina mature enough to validate the Duke win on the road against a pesky Miami team? It’s a very traditional let down spot. For Keaton Wagler, Saturday at Michigan State was easily the worst game of his college career, going just two for sixteen from the floor. How does he respond?

Saturday, February 14th​

Kansas at Iowa State – Noon CT (ABC)​

Louisville vs Baylor (in Fort Worth) – 3:00 p.m. CT (ESPN)​

Texas Tech at Arizona – 5:30 p.m. CT (ESPN)​

Nothing says, “happy Valentine’s Day!” quite like sitting on the couch for eight hours to watch hoops. So instead, take the love of your life out to watch Mikel Brown Jr. against Baylor in Fort Worth on Saturday! It’s situated perfectly between the two best games of the day in the Big 12. First, Kansas goes to Iowa State in a rematch, after Kansas beat the snot out of ISU earlier this year in Lawrence. Lastly, the Red Raiders of Texas Tech head to the desert to take on Arizona. This will be a big test for Christian Anderson, as the Cats will provide a stiff test both offensively and defensively. Should be a fun day!

Sunday, February 15th​

Indiana at Illinois – Noon CT (CBS)​

This should be an up and down game that features a ton of points. If Keaton Wagler isn’t able to get off the mat against Wisconsin, the Indiana defense should offer ample opportunity for a bounce back.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...cam-boozer-caleb-wilson-north-carolina-legend

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Mavericks Reacts Survey: Trade Deadline and All Star Weekend

SAN ANTONIO, TX -FEBRUARY 7: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Dallas Mavericks grabs a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on February 7, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Mavericks fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Tell us what you think! And sign up for those weekly surveys. Answers will be posted later this week!

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/gener...ts-survey-trade-deadline-and-all-star-weekend

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Mavericks vs. Suns Recap: Futility on full display in Dallas’ 120-111 loss at Phoenix

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 10: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the Phoenix Suns on February 10, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks (19-34) rolled their tank into Mortgage Matchup Center on Tuesday and offered little to no resistance against the Phoenix Suns (34-22) in a fart-and-fall-down 120-111 loss, the team’s eighth in a row. Naji Marshall scored 11 of his team-high 31 points in the fourth quarter in the fakest comeback attempt the NBA has seen this year. Cooper Flagg added 27 points and five rebounds in the loss.

The early returns for Tyus Jones as starting point guard are not pretty, folks. The Suns held the Mavericks without a field goal for the first 5:45 of the game, including two early misses from 3-point range from Jones. His second was an unsightly airball from the right wing. Finally, mercifully, Max Christie found an open driving lane with 6:14 left in the first for the Mavs’ first bucket of the contest, pulling Dallas to within 16-6. Christie followed that bucket up with another airball on his next 3-point attempt.

The Hateable Dillon Brooks shot 7-of-9 from the floor through the first nine minutes on his way to a game-high 15 points after one quarter. It was Brooks’ highest-scoring first quarter of his career, but Brooks scored just eight points the rest of the way in the Suns’ win. Jalen Green scored nine more off the bench in the first, as Phoenix tried to put the Mavs to bed early, extending their lead to 36-16 at the end of the first. The Mavs shot an anemic 6-of-22 (27.3%) from the field in the frame. The 16 points are a new season-low in any quarter this year.

The Mavs made Phoenix reserve Ryan Dunn look like an All-Star early in the second, as he made mincemeat of the Dallas defense with 8:20 left in the half on a basic give-and-go along the baseline for an easy dunk to put the Suns ahead 47-20. The Suns coasted to a 65-48 lead at the half. The Mavericks backed themselves into a corner before storming back with an 18-1 run late in the second to make it that close.

At some point in the third quarter, as the Mavericks gave back all the ground they gained with that second quarter run, the utter futility of watching this team flail forced your faithful correspondent to devour an entire pint of Ben and Jerry’s Americone Dream. It was a far more productive exercise than anything the Mavs were perpetrating on the court. As the last creamy bite slid down my gullet, I looked up at the television screen to see Dunn finish off an alley-oop slam from Isaac Ighodaro to put the Suns ahead 96-74. Phoenix led 96-75 going into the fourth.

The fourth quarter was barely worth mentioning, as the Suns played just bad enough to give the Mavericks some hope and just well enough to keep Dallas at arm’s length down the stretch. To add insult to injury, Phoenix used up all five of its fourth-quarter team fouls in the first four minutes and change of the fourth, putting the Mavs in the bonus and extending the game with meaningless free throws and extra stoppages. Pain.

This team has packed it in​

The Mavericks’ complete lack of effort and desire on either end of the floor was evident from the game’s opening tip. The starting lineup reflected the business decision made, and the Mavs’ footwork on defense bolded the point in all caps.

Dallas didn’t so much fail to close out Suns’ offensive possessions on the defensive glass as much as they simply didn’t care to try. The Mavs’ effort was an affront to the game, but hey, it may net them another lottery ball or two, am I right? The recent additions to the roster continued to simply take up space on Tuesday

The Mavericks gave up 17 offensive rebounds in the loss, turned the ball over 16 times and got beat 26-10 on the fast break.

Cooper Flagg: Still doing his thing​

As ugly as this game was early on, Flagg showed off his wheels in the open floor, gliding down the court in transition for opportunistic scores while the rest of the Mavs’ offense looked completely lost. He sealed off his defender in close to the basket late in the second and scored on the receiving end of a nice find from Naji Marshall to pull Dallas to within 62-40 and led the Mavs with 15 points in the first half. His final bucket of the first half was at the end of a fast break when Flagg reared back and stuffed it in Brooks’ face to inch Dallas back to within 62-45.

Flagg and Marshall combined for 27 of the Mavs’ 48 points in the first half. Flagg scored eight of his 10 second-quarter points during the 18-1 run that opened the door for a second-half comeback. He scored seven more in the third before canning a baseline jumper through Amir Coffey’s foul with nine minutes left to play to bring the Mavs to within 13, down 102-89.

Negative three​

Dallas shot a putrid 1-of-15 from 3-point range through the first three quarters against the Suns. Marshall finally hit the Mavs’ second 3-ball of the game with 10:40 left in the fourth quarter. Middleton knocked down another one on the Mavericks’ next possession, but it was far too little, far took late.

The Mavs made four of their seven attempts from deep in the fourth quarter to finish a paltry 5-of-22 (22.7%) in the loss. Phoenix outscored Dallas 48-15 from 3-point range in the win. 48-15, for the love of God. On the other side of that coin was the Mavs’ plus-35 differential in free-throw attempts in the loss. The Mavs went 32-of-44 from the line in the loss, while the Suns shot just nine in the win and made six of them.

We’ll keep watching these games as the 2025-26 season wears on, Mavs fans, so you don’t have to.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...11-loss-at-phoenix-cooper-flagg-naji-marshall

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Mavericks vs Suns Preview and Injury Update: Heading West before All Star break

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 12: Brandon Williams #10 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at American Airlines Center on November 12, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks (19-33) stay on the road Tuesday night to match up against the Phoenix Suns (31-22). Dallas has now lost seven in a row, most recently to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. Phoenix has now lost two in a row, most recently to the Philadelphia 76ers, and is looking for a get-right game. Phoenix won the first match-up of the season way back in November.

Here’s the main things you need to know before tipoff.

• WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns
• WHAT: Road trippin’
• WHERE: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, Arizona
• WHEN: 8:00 pm CST
• HOW: KFAA Channel 29, MavsTV streaming, NBA League Pass

The injury report is a little confusing at first glance for the Dallas Mavericks. All three two-way guys are listed as doubtful, so no Ryan Nembhard and no Moussa Cisse (Miles Kelly doesn’t get much burn anyway). Klay Thompson is listed as questionable with “rest” but we know he was at Meg Thee Stallion’s birthday, so I bet it’s a matter of if he gets to Arizona in time and if he feels good to play. The only Sun of note that’s out is Grayson Allen with a knee issue.

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I am not sure what to expect out of this matchup, or any matchup from here on out, if we’re honest. Dallas isn’t favored, but they don’t have bad players. Tanking organizationally may be in the cards but game by game, Dallas is trying to win. They simply haven’t been able to.

Keeping Devin Booker in check is the surest path to a Dallas victory, but that’s not going to be an easy task. I’m curious who will get the defensive assignment early on, particularly if PJ Washington comes off the bench. Keep an eye on Cooper Flagg’s three-point shooting, which has been very good on low volume since the 20-game mark. I’d put money on this being a clutch game again.

Be sure to chime in with your predictions in the comments!

Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start LATE. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...art-time-tv-stream-injury-report-how-to-watch

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

“Don’t get used to losing”. Marvin Bagley’s NBA experience could prove useful for the Mavs

Back in December, after a particular tough loss to the Brooklyn Nets, the Washington Wizards players had an impromptu meeting in the locker room. One player who spoke up was backup center Marvin Bagley III. He averaged 16 minutes a game at the time, but felt he had something important to share, especially to the youngest players on the team.

It was a piece of advice he wished someone would have given him at the start of his NBA career, as reported by WashingtonWizards.com.

“He talked a lot to us about his past, what he’s seen in the NBA,” Bilal Coulibaly said about the locker room speech. “He really talked to the guys and told the guys don’t get used to losing.”

Don’t get used to losing.

Marvin Bagley III, 26, was the second overall pick in 2018, picked right in front of Luka Doncic by the Sacramento Kings. Interesting to think of now, and also a reason why his thoughts and reflections on the journey he’s had since 2018 are worth paying attention to. Both for his teammates, but also to get an idea of where he is mentally as he joins the Dallas Mavericks in a rebuilding phase around Cooper Flagg.

One of the pitfalls of tanking, rebuilding or starting over can be that especially young players develop bad habits. They start playing the wrong way, chasing stats and highlights. This can be detrimental to their future careers as well as when the time comes to actually play to win.

That’s why the fact that Bagley wanted to convey this exact message to his younger teammates a couple of months ago seems important, as he joins the Dallas Mavericks at this specific point in time.

Don’t get used to losing.

Bagley was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2018, but his career didn’t get off to the start he had hoped for. After an All-Rookie campaign, Bagley struggled with injuries and inconsistent play and was traded midway through his fourth season.

“I was in a tough spot as a young player; 18 years old coming in [and] I didn’t really have the older vets to guide me,” Bagley said.

“It kind of felt like I had to figure things out on the run, on the fly, by myself. That’s a hard spot to be in, especially in this league.”

Bagley has talked about dealing with the reality of unfulfilled potential. After being the guy in Sacramento to start with, he has dealt with being in and out of rotations, injuries, trades and disappointments.

But it looks like he may have found peace and balance in Washington recently, which bodes well for Dallas. He’s characterized as “mild-mannered, humble and un-assuming, yet vocal when he chooses to be. Universally liked and respected.”

“I’m a huge fan of Marvin, a huge fan of his game. He had a lot of things that didn’t break his way at the beginning of his career, whether they were his fault or somebody else’s and out of his control,” Corey Kispert said in the same article.

And it’s becoming clear that one of Bagley’s biggest strengths at this point in his career is his mental approach and how he now uses his experience to lead and mentor.

“The way he carries himself just being where he was and where he is now is incredible… He could easily just hang his hat and sulk because of where he was and where he was picked. But he’s the first person to tell you he is what he is now and he wants to make the best of it. He’s continuing to create himself a really nice career simply because of his mentality,” Kispert said.

It’s about focusing on controlling what you can control, Bagley says. About accomplishing whatever you can moving forward, and about how it begins with belief in himself.

You’d almost think he knew that a big change was coming getting a chance at least with the hard working, mentally strong group in Dallas, who have a real future franchise star to build around in Cooper Flagg and a one of a kind veteran leader in Kyrie Irving. This is what Bagley said a couple of months ago:

“The work is paying off, man… I’ve got a lot in the tank, man. I’m far from done, I’m not done. I’ve got a lot left to give to a team, to this league.”

And maybe Dallas is exactly what Bagley needs in order to take the next step in his career. There is already some signs that Marvin Bagley III may be just what Dallas needs in the locker room, as they rebuild around Flagg, but also on the court. If his debut Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs was any indication, this could end up as a great situation and fit for him. He recorded an impressive 16 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, a steal and four blocks in just 24 minutes.

Bagley was pretty good in his Mavs debut!

Full highlights below!https://t.co/0AQmWmvueO

— Panda Hank (Nico survivor) (@pandahank41) February 8, 2026

Find more Beyond Basketball pieces here.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...ba-experience-could-prove-useful-for-the-mavs

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

3 things to watch as the Mavericks visit the Los Angeles Lakers

The Dallas Mavericks (19-34) will try to end their eight-game losing skid on Thursday at 9 p.m. as they play the Los Angeles Lakers (32-21) at Crypto.com Arena. The game, both teams’ last before the All-Star break, will be the fourth in an eight-game homestand for the Lakers, who last played Tuesday in a 136-108 scheduled loss to San Antonio in which LeBron James (foot, back-to-back rest), Luka Dončić (hamstring), Austin Reaves (calf), Marcus Smart (ankle), and Deandre Ayton (knee) did not play.

For the Mavericks, who last played Tuesday in a 120-111 loss to Phoenix, the game will be the third of a six-game road trip. Against the Suns they were led in scoring by Naji Marshall’s 31 points, and as a team made only five of their 22 attempts from three. Cooper Flagg, who scored 27 in that game, will sit against the Lakers with a foot injury. He’ll miss the Rising Stars game All-Star weekend but is expected to return after the break.

The game’s emotional resonance as well as its on-court play will be greatly impacted by the absence of Dončić, who last played Feb. 5, sustaining a hamstring injury in win against Philadelphia. The approaching break presents an opportunity for a long recovery in preparation for a playoff run, though Luka has expressed a desire to play in the All-Star game if healthy. Without Luka, the Lakers have played some pretty good ball, winning both their first two games, then hanging tough against the Thunder in a 119-100 loss before throwing their reserves and two-way players into the deep end against the Spurs. The 41 year-old James can still run a team, averaging 21 points and 10 assists in the two complete games without Luka, but their championship aspirations depend on both stars’ health.

Deep cover​

The biggest change in the Lakers since these teams last met is the recent addition of shooting guard Luke Kennard, who arrived in a Feb. 5 trade with Atlanta. In three games with the Lakers, Kennard is a cumulative 4-of-9 from three-point range. Kennard joins forward Rui Hachimura (.448 three-point percentage this year) as elite deep threats for the Lakers. They need it in Dončić’s absence; one notable deficit in James’ game this year has been his long-range shooting; the career 35% three-point shooter is making only 30.5 of his tries in 2025-26.

Paging Max Power​

Dallas’ current slide overlaps perfectly with a cold stretch for the team from 3-point range, having connected on just 9.37 threes per game during that time; and overlaps nearly perfectly with a cold stretch from guard Max Christie, whose most recent standout performance came Jan. 24 in the first game of the streak, a 116-110 loss to the Lakers in which he made 4-of-10 from 3-point range on the way to 24 points. In the seven games since, Christie has shot 11-of-43 from deep for a .255 percentage, leaving the club without a reliable outside threat to keep defenses honest (Klay Thompson is a middling 15-of-43 in the same span). Shooters have many ups and downs over a season, though Christie’s recent issues also correlate with the team’s instability at point guard, with Ryan Nembhard, Brandon Williams, and Tyus Jones each getting turns at the starting role lately. Though it’s just a four-game sample, Christie has historically performed well against the Lakers, his former team, averaging 14.5 points on .385 shooting from 3-point territory. Dallas is 0-4 in those games.

If it seems like this piece is especially focused on 3-point shooting, it’s because there’s not a lot to focus on at center for the Lakers. While the springy Hayes is an exciting lob threat, neither he nor Ayton, questionable for Thursday, have looked like a long-term answer for a championship contender. The Lakers seemed likely to try to upgrade there at the deadline, instead addressing their other deficiency as a contender by adding a serious deep threat in Kennard. The Mavericks and Lakers, two franchises forever linked over Luka, also feature the two players drafted ahead of him in 2018: Ayton (No. 1) and new Mavericks reserve center Marvin Bagley III (No. 2). Bagley, 8-of-10 from the field so far as a Maverick, could well end up the more appealing player of the two.

Familiar faces​

Even though fans of the Mavericks’ odds in NBA draft lottery have had much to salivate over during the Mavericks’ recent stretch of futility, fans of watchable basketball have had to make do with scraps of competitiveness, such as the 18-1 second-half run that cut the Suns’ lead in half Tuesday. Meanwhile, for fans of NBA players with local ties, the Lakers bring a rich tapestry of Remembering Some Guys, including Marcus Smart (Flower Mound Marcus HS), Drew Timme (J.J. Pearce HS), Jaxson Hayes (University of Texas), Maxi Kleber (a Maverick from 2017-25), and assistant coach Scott Brooks (a Maverick in 1994-95).

How to watch/listen​

Thursday’s game will be broadcast on Prime Video; you can catch the radio broadcast on KEGL 97.1FM (English) or KFZO 99.1FM (español).

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...as-the-mavericks-visit-the-los-angeles-lakers

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Stats Rundown: 5 numbers to know from the Mavericks’ 124-104 loss at the Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks is fouled by Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers while attempting a shot in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on February 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Getty Images) | Getty Images

At the intersection of futility and ethical tanking, there you’ll find the 2025-26 Dallas Mavericks (19-35).

The Mavericks dropped their ninth straight loss on Thursday, this time to the Los Angeles Lakers (33-21) at Crypto.com Arena, 124-104. Dallas’ nine-game losing streak is now the franchise’s longest since the Mavs dropped 14 straight in the 1998-99 season. With the All-Star Break immediately following Thursday night’s game, the Mavericks have a real chance to lose every game for a full calendar month, as their schedule resumes on Feb. 20 at the Minnesota Timberwolves. Dallas last won a game on Jan. 22 in a 123-115 decision over the Golden State Warriors within the friendly confines of American Airlines Center.

Naji Marshall (foot) and Daniel Gafford (ankle) went down late in Thursday’s game and did not return, starting their All-Star Break a little early. Marshall and Max Christie led the Mavericks with 19 points apiece in the loss.

12-2: Dueling runs to open the game​

The Lakers embarked on an early 12-2 run after P.J. Washington hit a floater in the lane to tie the game at 2-2. LeBron James scored eight of the Lakers’ 12 points during the run, including a 29-foot 3-pointer from the left wing that forced the Mavericks into their first timeout of the game, trailing 14-4 just 3:10 into the game.

Dallas responded with a 12-2 run of its own after the early timeout. After turning the ball over twice to fuel the Lakers’ run, Naji Marshall stopped the bleeding with a reverse layup through the teeth of the LA defense to make it 14-6. Two minutes later, he stole the ball from Jake LaRavia and found new teammate Khris Middleton trailing the break, wide open at the top of the key for a 3-pointer to tie the game at 16-16 with 6:50 left in the first.

The Mavs and the Lakers played a fast-paced last half of the first quarter despite both teams employing a zone defense in the halfcourt and without the best players on each roster on the floor. Los Angeles took a 36-31 lead after one, behind 14 points and six assists from James.

11-0, then 12-0: Dueling second-quarter runs​

The Lakers were clinging to a one-point lead midway through the second when LaRavia and Marcus Smart sparked an 11-0 LA run, extending the lead to 55-43 with 5:15 remaining before the break. James found Smart for a cutting layup, resulting in James’ eighth assist of the game to start the run. LaRavia scored the next five before Smart dished a couple of assists of his own to keep the run going. Despite his effectiveness during the second-quarter run, Smart started the game shooting just 3-of-12 from the field and 0-of-7 from 3-point range.

LaRavia scored seven points on 3-of-4 shooting in the second after drawing the start in Luka Dončić’s absence (hamstring) and going scoreless in the first quarter.

Then, right on queue once more, the scrappy, short-handed Mavs responded with a 12-0 run to end the first half. Marshall was the architect once more. He scored seven points during the run and assisted on two more buckets to bring Dallas to within 64-63 at the break.

Marshall led the Mavs with 16 points, four dimes and two steals at halftime, while James turned back the hands of time on the other end of the floor to lead the Lakers with 18 points and eight assists in the first half. After turning the ball over five times in the first quarter, the Mavericks gave it away just twice in the second to help them claw their way back in it.

The Lakers’ scoreless stretch lasted 4:16 of game time, from the end of the second quarter through the first minute and change of the third.

19: Mavericks’ third-quarter points​

Dallas couldn’t find a bucket after briefly taking the lead early in the third quarter, though. The Mavs shot just 5-of-13 from the field in the last 8:40 of the third and got trucked, 26-11, the rest of the way. The Lakers took a 96-82 lead into the fourth quarter, as the unsung four-headed monster of Luke Kennard, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber and Jaxson Hayes combined for 21 of LA’s 32 points in the third.

After scrapping hard to keep up with the short-handed Lakers, the Mavericks were all out of juice in the third. They once again turned the ball over five times in the frame.

55.8%: Lakers’ shooting from the field​

The Mavericks just couldn’t get stops against a Lakers’ squad missing its most talented scorer. That was the bottom line on Thursday. The Mavs are driving the most ethical tank in the NBA right now. Even if they wanted to win, they just can’t. They are unable to field a winning basketball team. You almost know the result before the game tips off.

The Lakers shot 13-of-21 (61.3%) from the field in the fourth quarter to coast to the easy win and usher in the All-Star Break.

28/12/10: LeBron James’ first triple-double of 2025-26​

James may have scored just 12 points in the final three quarters, but his 28 points, 12 assists and 10 boards gave him his first triple-double of the 2025-26 season, his 23rd in the NBA. Just remarkable. It was his 123rd career triple-double and the third of his career against the Mavericks. He stayed in the game a little longer than he otherwise might have and grabbed his 10th rebound of the game with 1:26 to play.

“It’s pretty cool to be able to still play at this level,” James said in his televised postgame interview.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...los-angeles-lakers-lebron-james-naji-marshall

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Player Grades: Mavericks vs. Lakers

Feb 5, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie (00) looks on during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks took on the Los Angeles Lakers in their last game before breaking for All-Star weekend. Both teams were missing star players (Cooper Flagg and Luka Doncic), but it was the Lakers who served up the Mavs a 124-104 loss.

Let’s get to the grades!

Brandon Williams: B+​

17 PTS / 5 REB / 7 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 29 MIN​

Williams’ game somehow felt quiet despite a well-balanced output and solid shooting (6-for-11). He put up a high rebound total, especially relative to his position and minutes played, but also dished a team-high in assists which is not always his calling card. As the game wound down, he hurt himself with a bloated turnover total to somewhat offset his passing (four).

Max Christie: B+​

19 PTS / 1 REB / 4 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 30 MIN​

This was the Max Christie we love to see. He dug into his offensive bag with a few drives, some mid-range shots and of course the three-ball. Best of all, he did all of it well (7-for-12 overall; 2-for-4 from deep). Very nice game, but he fouled a bit too often and had the worst plus/minus for nearly the entire game.

Naji Marshall: B+​

19 PTS / 2 REB / 4 AST / 2 STL / 0 BLK – 29 MIN​

Marshall has really taken his game to another level. Yes, the Mavericks are playing their worst ball of the season, but remember that Marshall was an undrafted player who has now proven to be one of the best and most consistent players for Dallas. He once again did a little bit of everything and was the primary offensive force for the Mavs throughout the night. Marshall left early to nurse a foot strain.

P.J. Washington: B-​

18 PTS / 4 REB / 2 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 34 MIN​

Washington had a much better game tonight than he has in recent days. His numbers don’t necessarily jump off the page (what with some of the output coming in garbage time), but he chipped in everywhere and made his shots. Now he just needs to build on it and get back into the groove where he could have a big night more frequently.

Daniel Gafford: C–​

2 PTS / 6 REB / 1 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK – 28 MIN​

I continue to remind myself that Gafford is doing a lot as the only clear cut center on the roster and that he is arguably best suited in a tandem where he plays 24-minutes or so. That said, I can’t help but feel like he could be doing a lot more. His turnover number was too high (two), he again committed too many fouls (three) and it’s puzzling that he can’t drop at or near a double-double. Defensively he was the first Maverick to register a block in this one, but it came in the fourth quarter (and required a coach’s challenge). His departure from the game due to right ankle soreness came a bit too late into the fourth quarter to spare his grade much.

Klay Thompson: C​

9 PTS / 3 REB / 0 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 23 MIN​

Thompson knocked down his shots well enough, but had more turnovers than a bakery with a ridiculous total of four.

Marvin Bagley: B+​

7 PTS / 4 REB / 0 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 20 MIN​

I can’t quite figure why Bagley didn’t get more time relative to Gafford. Yes, the Lakers’ bigs have length, but to get only a fraction of the time Gafford logged seemed to be a miscue. He did get some burn in the latter part of the fourth quarter to semi-close out the game, but overall it left us wondering what kind of impact he may have had. In context of the overall game, he again did a nice job and looks to be somewhat rejuvenated since coming to Dallas.

Khris Middleton: C​

8 PTS / 1 REB / 1 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 21 MIN​

Middleton’s game was similar to Thompson’s, but instead of turning it over he missed shots (3-for-11). Still acclimating to a new setting, there wasn’t much in this one for Middleton.

Final thoughts​

The Mavericks’ inability to play defense, especially after being an upper-echelon defensive team earlier in the season, is becoming alarming. During this season-long nine-game losing streak, Dallas has gotten trounced on many more than one occasion. The bench was cleared with a few minutes left. Combined with the late start time and absence of Cooper Flagg, this was a wildly forgettable game.

I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...riple-double-luka-doncic-cooper-flagg-124-104

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

NBA Power Rankings Watch: a new Mavericks era

Oct 6, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (left) and guard Kyrie Irving (right) look on during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickie's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks, now post trade deadline and resting over the all-star break, are fully in a new era. Yes, parts of the Luka Doncic core remain. But the Anthony Davis deadline deal that sent the big man and the end of the bench to the Washington Wizards made clear that the front office is turning the page and building for Cooper Flagg’s future.

That means a focus on Flagg’s development in game, but it also means a lot of losing the rest of this season to position themselves for the NBA draft lottery. That shift in strategy does mean we’ll be hanging our Power Rankings Watch jersey for the rest of this season, as the Mavericks float around the bottom of these standings the rest of the way. We’ll keep check on some other standings from here on out, and get excited for this summer’s draft.

ESPN​

Rank: 24​

Last week: 22​

Marvin Bagley III, who was selected right before Luka Doncic with the No. 2 pick in the 2018 draft, is on his fifth team after arriving in Dallas as part of the Anthony Davis trade. He will have a chance to get minutes the rest of the season in Dallas, and in his debut with the Mavericks, Bagley had 16 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks. — MacMahon

The Athletic​

Rank: 24 (Tier 4: Not the Tier to Fear)​

Last week: 23​

Roster reset: SF Khris Middleton

I thought I was done cracking on these dudes for trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers. But no, let me revisit that thing one more time. Luka Dončić played 900 minutes in the 2024 postseason, a run that went through the NBA Finals. They then traded Dončić for Anthony Davis, who wound up playing a total of 892 minutes in the regular season for the Mavericks. Then, to make things funnier, the best players Dallas got back when it traded Davis away are former Jason Kidd disciple Middleton and Marvin Bagley III. That’s the same Bagley who was drafted one spot over Dončić in 2018. At least Dallas got a couple of first-round picks this time. Cooper Flagg has been killing it, but the Mavericks haven’t won a game in more than two weeks.

NBA​

Rank: 22​

Last week: 22​

The Anthony Davis Era in Dallas is over, with the big man having played just 31 (36%) of a possible 86 games with the Mavs. Dallas went 17-14 in those 31 games and took a huge step backward when you combine the two Davis trades (the one that brought him in and the one that sent him out).

Three takeaways

• In between the two Davis trades, the Mavs did get Cooper Flagg, who had four straight games of more than 30 points before having a relatively quiet night in San Antonio on Saturday. Now averaging over 20 per game, he’d be just the second rookie in the last 46 years (since Larry Bird in 1979-80) to average at least 20 points, six rebounds and four assists. The other, of course, was Luka Dončić.
• Despite Flagg’s scoring streak, the Mavs have scored just 109.6 points per 100 possessions over their seven-game losing streak. Their shooters – Max Christie and Klay Thompson – have combined to shoot just 38% (including 32% from 3-point range) over the seven games.
• The Mavs got a pair of first-round picks in the Davis trade, but they’ll both be in the 20s. As is usually the case after a team trades a star, its best asset is its own pick. The Mavs are now seventh in the upside-down standings and their 2026 pick is the only one in the next five years that they control.

Coming up: The Mavs’ loss in San Antonio on Saturday was the start of a stretch (spanning the break) of six straight road games. They’re now 5-14 (with five straight losses) against the top eight teams in the West, set to visit the Suns and Lakers this week.

Bleacher Report​

Rank: 23​

Last week: 22​

The numbers still favor Kon Knueppel in the Rookie of the Year race, but Cooper Flagg is charging.

And with the Anthony Davis conundrum finally and fully resolved by trading him to the Washington Wizards, Flagg can have a closing kick that makes the award his.

For the entire season, when AD is off the floor, Flagg has put up 23.2 points and 4.0 assists per 75 possessions.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...ch-a-new-mavericks-era-cooper-flagg-nba-draft

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

SB Reacts: Beyond the Trade Deadline in Dallas

With tNBA’s Trade Deadline come and gone and the Dallas Mavericks making a transaction, it was time to take a poll to see what Dallas fans thought of the crazy few days for the Mavericks. I went into the gym on Thursday and came out to a blown up phone with so many texts, tweets, emails, and missed calls.

So, with that in mind before we transition to All Star weekend talk, here are the results where Mavs Moneyball readers were asked if they approved of the trade or not.

89% is an overwhelming majority. I have to imagine the last 11% are mostly people who either expected more of a return or Anthony Davis’ relatives.

The next question had to do with the new players on the team. I asked which of three (sorry AJ Johnson) fans had been most impressed by in the short stint so far.

Former Dukie Marvin Bagley seems to have won over Dallas fans early. He plays hard and that’s important given that the Mavericks franchise has no incentive to win, he helps mkaes the games more watchable.

The final question on our survey pivoted to the All Star weekend. At the time, Cooper Flagg hadn’t been injured. The question was asking if you were going to tune into the Rookie/Sophomore game.

2 in 3 fans isn’t bad but it’s less than I would’ve thought. But now that Coop’s hurt, I think we all may have to go on a short vacation this week.

In the national survey, which you can sign up with here, focused on the All Star events coming up all weekend long. There’s still plenty of time to bet on some of the fun goings on happening this weekend, and you can do so easily on FanDuel. The first question asked if fans understood the format of this weekend.

Most do not. I didn’t even bother to learn.

Then there’s a question about the weekend’s events. Most are looking forward to the three point contest.

The final question asked which team did the best at the Trade deadline.

It’s very funny and stupid that the league has three teams here who are trying to tank but they improved via the trade market.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/mavericks-roster/55907/sb-reacts-beyond-the-trade-deadline-in-dallas

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Cooper Flagg is a named a Rising Star — What other Mavericks have made that list?

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 24: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots over Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at American Airlines Center on January 24, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

To no one’s surprise, Cooper Flagg was officially named a “Rising Star” by the NBA and was tapped to compete in the “Rising Stars Challenge” during the 2026 All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles before suffering a foot injury in Tuesday’s 120-111 loss at the Phoenix Suns. It got us thinking: What other Mavericks have been named a rising star? How did those selections pan out? Let’s take a look back at the history of the Dallas Mavericks and who turned heads when they entered the NBA.

Dereck Lively II (2024, 2025)​

The Mavericks were ecstatic to draft Dereck Lively II out of Duke. So much so, they were willing to “tank” to get him. To improve its odds of keeping a top 10 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, Dallas rested stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving during the final stretch of games. The league fined the Mavs $750,000 for “conduct detrimental to the league.” Dallas ultimately was able to keep the 10th pick, which was sent to Oklahoma City. The Thunder drafted Cason Wallace, and the Mavs took Lively II. Despite the fine, the risk was worth the reward. He was an integral piece in the Mavericks’ 2024 NBA Finals run.

For his career, Lively II has averaged 8.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. His recent stretch of injuries has become concerning for the Mavs, but he turned 22 on February 12, so there’s still a long runway for his development. Lively was selected as a Rookie and Sophomore for the Rising Stars Challenge.

Luka Doncic (2019, 2020)​

*Bangs head against wall*

Surprise, surprise – Luka Doncic made the Rising Stars Challenge in his rookie and sophomore seasons. After the blockbuster draft night swap that sent Doncic to the Mavs and Trae Young to the Hawks, Dallas quickly found its new star from Slovenia.

Following 21 years of a European superstar in Dirk Nowitzki being the face of the franchise, the reins were quickly handed off to Doncic at just 19 years old. As a rookie, he averaged 21.2 points per game, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists – the best stats of any Mavericks rookie and also won Rookie of the Year. Who is the next closest, you ask? Cooper Flagg – 20.4 points per game, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists. There’s a reason Doncic and Flagg have comparisons outside of “the trade” that inevitably helped Dallas land the number one overall pick. Both are widely regarded as the most skilled rookies ever to put on a Mavericks uniform.

For his career, Doncic is averaging 29.0 points per game, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.3 assists. He’s a six-time all-star. In his seven years as a Maverick, he brought the team five winning seasons, two Conference Finals appearances, and one NBA Finals appearance. And then, he got traded.

Dennis Smith Jr. (2018)​

Dennis Smith Jr. was first regarded as a potential player to build the franchise around. The star guard out of North Carolina State was an athletic phenom. His rookie season didn’t disappoint, averaging 15.2 points per game, 5.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. Smith Jr. was selected as a rookie to the Rising Stars Challenge.

However, a year later and heading into the 2018 draft, Dallas was confident it could find another star, having a top five pick. Ultimately, they selected Luka Doncic, and it wasn’t long until Smith Jr. was viewed as the high-flying, athletic running-mate for Doncic.

The chemistry never had a chance to grow between the two potential stars. Smith Jr. only played 32 games his sophomore season before being traded to the New York Knicks for a package that included Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. After a promising first year with the Knicks, Dennis Smith Jr. hasn’t been able to stay healthy. He’s been a journeyman in his eight-year career, with two stops in Dallas, and one each in New York, Detroit, Portland, Charlotte, and Brooklyn. For his career, Smith Jr. has averaged 9.7 points per game, 4.2 assists, and 3.0 rebounds. He’s only averaged playing 41 games per season over his eight seasons in the NBA.

Dwight Powell (2016)​

The current longest-tenured Maverick made his appearance in the 2016 Rising Stars Challenge. With Toronto hosting all-star weekend, Canada’s own Dwight Powell was selected to represent Team World.

Powell was drafted 45th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2014. Before his rookie season, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers and then the Boston Celtics. Ultimately, he landed in the Lone Star State as part of the Rajon Rondo deal during the 2014-2015 season.

Powell has become a staple for the Mavs both on the court and as a veteran off the bench. He was the starting center during the Mavs 2022 Western Conference Finals run and provided meaningful minutes in the 2024 NBA Finals run. Powell is entering his 12th season and has averaged 6.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game for his career.

There are three things that are inevitable in life: death, taxes, and Dwight Powell on the Mavericks.

Devin Harris (2005, 2006)​

Devin Harris has been more than just a Mavericks commentator. He was selected to play in the Rising Stars challenge during his rookie and sophomore seasons. Harris was selected fifth overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, who traded him to Dallas in a package for Antawn Jamison.

The Mavs were high on the Wisconsin guard for his quickness and ability to get to the rim. The Mavericks had a gaping hole at the point guard position after letting Steve Nash walk in the offseason. Ultimately, Dallas tried to fill the Nash void with a combination of Jason Terry and Devin Harris.

His rookie campaign was a bit underwhelming, but it became clear the Mavs could use a spark plug like Harris. In his rookie season, he averaged 5.7 points per game, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steals. He was an integral part of the Mavericks playoff pushes in the 2000’s.

Harris was traded to the New Jersey Nets in 2009 in a package for future hall of fame point guard Jason Kidd. For his career, Harris averaged 10.8 points per game, 3.9 assists, and 2.2 rebounds. He was selected as an all-star in 2009.

Josh Howard (2004, 2005)​

Josh Howard was selected 29th overall by the Mavericks in the 2003 NBA Draft. This draft is notorious for being loaded with talent, producing guys like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Carmelo Anthony. Dallas found their two-way talent in selecting Howard out of Wake Forest. He appeared in the Rising Stars Challenge in his rookie and sophomore seasons.

After the departures of Steve Nash and Michael Finley, Howard was catapulted to the second scorer responsibility beside Dirk Nowitzki. He spent 10 years in the NBA, including seven with the Mavericks. He achieved all-rookie honors in 2004 and was selected as an all-star in 2007. At his peak, Howard was a certified bucket and also served as Dallas’s point-of-attack defender.

Howard was a crucial piece in the playoff runs during the prime Nowitzki era. For his career, he averaged 14.3 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.

Dirk Nowitzki (1999)​

When most people think about the Dallas Mavericks’ history, the first person that comes to mind is often the seven-foot, awkward, lanky kid from Wurzburg, Germany. Dirk Nowitzki was selected 9th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1998 NBA Draft and then traded to Dallas for Robert “Tractor” Traylor.

Nowitzki was unlike anything the NBA had seen before. He was a mobile big man who could play on the perimeter and shoot the lights out. His patented one-legged fade away jumper has influenced the game of many greats today, including Lebron James and Kevin Durant.

Nowitzki’s silhouette on the floor in the American Airlines Center is a constant reminder of how great he truly was. Not to mention, his statue outside of the arena that reads “Loyalty Never Fades Away” as Nowitzki played all 21 seasons in a Mavericks uniform.

Nowitzki was selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge in 1999 and quickly positioned himself as one of the game’s greats. Nowitzki is a 14-time all-star, 2007 league MVP, 2011 NBA Champion, and seventh on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 31,560 points. For his career, he averaged 20.7 points per game, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Nowitzki is etched into Mavericks history (as of now) as the greatest to put on the uniform.

Samaki Walker (1997)​

Samaki Walker was selected 9th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Mavs. The two-way power forward out of Louisville had an incredibly high upside, being a versatile big man who could score inside and defend the rim.

He never panned out in the NBA. His claim to fame is being punched by Kobe Bryant during his time as a Los Angeles Laker. Walker was selected to the Rising Stars Challenge, averaging 5.0 points per game and 3.4 rebounds.

He played 10 seasons in the NBA with stops in Dallas, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami, Washington, and Indiana. For his career, Walker averaged 5.3 points per game and 4.7 rebounds.

Jason Kidd (1995)​

Jason Kidd was the definition of a true point guard. Dallas needed a true floor general to facilitate the offense coming into the 1994 off-season. The Mavs took Kidd second overall in the 1994 NBA Draft. The California guard had an immediate impact. After a dreadful 13-69 season in 1994, the Mavericks improved to 36-46 in 1995. During his rookie season, he averaged 11.7 points per game, 7.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.9 steals.

Kidd was selected as a rookie to the Rising Stars Challenge for his injection of winning play on his new team. But it didn’t last long. The 1996 season had Dallas slip back to 26 wins. The Mavericks traded Kidd the day after Christmas during the 1996 season to the Phoenix Suns.

Jason Kidd spent five years in Phoenix, seven in New Jersey, one in New York, and eight in Dallas. Kidd’s return to Dallas in 2008 led to him co-starring with Dirk Nowitzki en route to the 2011 championship.

Kidd spent 19 seasons in the NBA. He’s third all-time in assists with 12,091 and third all-time in steals with 2,684. He’s a 10-time all-star and NBA champion. For his career, Kidd averaged 12.6 points per game, 8.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.9 steals.

Jamal Mashburn (1994)​

Jamal Mashburn was heavily touted coming out of Kentucky. He was one of the most complete offensive players in recent history, while still playing both sides of the floor. The Mavericks drafted the 6’8 small forward with the fourth overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft. The Mavericks were looking for an offensive powerhouse to share the reins with Derek Harper and Jim Jackson, and they found one in Mashburn. This earned him a selection to the Rising Stars Team in 1993.

His other team was a different story. Team success with the Mavericks just wasn’t there. The 1990’s were abysmal Dallas and Mashburn was right in the middle.

For his career, Mashburn averaged 19.2 points per game, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. He played 12 seasons, four each with Dallas and Miami, and two each with Charlotte and New Orleans. Mashburn was selected as an all-star once in 2003. Although his tenure in Dallas is forgettable, he’s still considered one of the better scorers of the early 1990’s.

Popeye Jones (1993)​

Popeye Jones was drafted 41st overall by the Houston Rockets in the 1992 NBA draft and later traded to the Mavericks on draft night. The Murray State power forward was a tenacious rebounder and provided strength and athleticism on the interior. Jones was selected in his sophomore season for the Rising Stars Challenge. By his second season in the NBA, he was averaging a double-double of 10.3 points per game and 10.6 rebounds.

Jones averaged 7.0 points per game and 7.4 rebounds over an 11-year career. He spent four years with the Mavericks, two each with Toronto and Washington, and one each with Boston, Denver, and Golden State.

Jones has also had a successful 15+ year coaching career with stops in Dallas, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Indiana, and Denver. He won a championship as an assistant coach with the Nuggets in 2023.

Rising Stars Challenge Starts Friday​

Through 46 years, rising stars haven’t come all that often with the Mavericks. But those who get selected by the NBA often go on to have impactful careers. Cooper Flagg is the newest Maverick to make this list. So, let’s just enjoy the ride.

The Rising Stars Challenge begins Friday, February 13, at 8 PM Central time on NBC and Peacock.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...star-what-other-mavericks-have-made-that-list

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

3 things from the Mavericks’ 124-104 loss at the Los Angeles Lakers

Feb 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) is fouled by Dallas Mavericks forward Marvin Bagley III (35) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 124-104 on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena behind a vintage effort from LeBron James.

It was the Mavs’ final game before the All-Star break, and they didn’t exactly go out with a bang. The game in LA was lacking a certain amount of star power with both Cooper Flagg and Luka Doncic out with injuries. LeBron James continued his streak of great play, however. He scored 28 points and managed his first triple-double of the season at age 41 with a 28/12/10 night.

For Dallas, Naji Marshall and Max Christie continued to shoulder the bulk of the Mavs scoring, putting up 19 apiece in the loss.

Group effort​

Four of Dallas’ five starters put up double-digit points. It’s become something of an expectation when the Mavs are without their offensive center point. Brandon Williams got the start at the point and not only contributed 17 points, but looked the part of a solid distributor, finishing with 7 assists.

Even with the addition of Tyus Jones — allegedly Dallas’ original free agent target before they signed D’Angelo Russel — Williams remains hard to keep off the floor. His speed towards the rim can really cause fits for some teams, and it’s something the Lakers have had trouble defending all season. Williams hit 1-of-3 from deep, but did most of his damage driving into the paint to power his 6-of-11 night from the floor.

Third time, not the charm​

There were a couple of times in the game where it seemed like the Mavs were letting the rope slip out of their hand early. Right from the jump, LeBron kicked things off with a 14-point first quarter and built a double digit Laker lead barely halfway through the first. Dallas woke up and went on a run of their own to even things out by the end of the frame. Then, the Lakers turned around and built a 13-point lead in the second quarter. Still, Dallas came back and even took a small lead early in the third.

But when LA pushed the lead back over 10 by the close of that quarter, Dallas just didn’t have the gas for another run. Especially with Naji and Daniel Gafford leaving the game midway through the fourth with a couple of injuries.

Khris Middleton, Dallas Maverick​

it’s always fun to see a new face in a Dallas uniform. Middleton is not so new to coach Jason Kidd, who coached him in Milwaukee. There was some question as to whether Dallas would release Middleton to allow him to find a team of his choosing, but at least for now, he laced ‘em up for Dallas and went out and scored 8 points in 21 minutes.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dalla...-final-score-recap-lebron-james-naji-marshall

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Mavericks vs Lakers Preview and Injury Update: Searching for a win

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 24, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks (19-34) head further West, this time to play the Los Angeles Lakers (32-21). The Mavericks have lost eight in a row, a streak that started by a loss to these Los Angeles Lakers a few weeks back. Dallas fell most recently to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. Los Angeles is looking to avoid a three-game skid of their own, as they’ve lost games most recently to the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.

Here’s the main things you need to know before tipoff.

• WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers
• WHAT: Road trippin’, still
• WHERE: crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
• WHEN: 9:00 pm CST
• HOW: Amazon Prime

The injury report is bad again for the Dallas Mavericks. Cooper Flagg is the headliner, missing this game with a foot sprain. Tim MacMahon reported that while Flagg will be out for the All Star break, Dallas expects him to return to play when games resume on February 20th. The Dallas two-way guys are all unlikely to play as well; they’re all listed as doubtful. Naji Marshall and Caleb Martin are each listed as questionable with nagging injuries. On the Laker side of things, Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton will miss this contest. Otherwise it’s a clean injury report.

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With both Cooper Flagg and Luka Doncic out, this game probably becomes unwatchable for most Mavericks fans given the late start time. I do not blame them, but as I run a Mavs website, I try to watch all games.

Keeping a lid on Austin Reaves is the challenge for the Mavericks tonight and it will not be remotely easy. He and LeBron James have good chemistry, so Dallas is going to have to be connected on defense for any of this to really matter. I think they have a chance though, so we’ll see. Naji Marshall missing the game would flip that prediction though.

Be sure to chime in with your predictions in the comments!

Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start LATE. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...art-time-tv-stream-injury-report-how-to-watch

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

As the NBA All-Star Break rolls on, now is your chance to catch up on College Hoops

Feb 14, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr (5) dribbles during the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

It’s an exciting time to watch college basketball! With the NBA out of the way for the majority of this week, there is plenty of time to get eyes on some of the best prospects in the country who will be playing in big games. There’s so much to get into from the week that was, so let’s jump in.

Prospect of the week: Darius Acuff (Guard, Arkansas)​

Stats of the week: 29.5 points, 6 assists (2.5 turnovers) per game​

Let’s not get this twisted, as Arkansas hasn’t exactly played the upper tier of teams in conference play thus far. But what Acuff has done has far exceeded my lower than consensus viewpoint of him. He’s been efficient with the ball in his hands, limiting turnovers while still racking up assists. Over the last month, Acuff has only had one game with more than two turnovers, which came against a dreadful LSU team where he likely was just trying stuff. Arkansas has won six of seven, including three straight on the road, where they had really struggled to start the season.

Darius Acuff was unreal tonight in @RazorbackMBB's win over Auburn

31 PTS
10-15 FG
7-10 3PT
7 AST pic.twitter.com/4d4E9z6hCc

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) February 15, 2026

Consensus has moved Acuff right to the top of that third tier of guards, behind Flemings and Wagler. I am not quite there yet, and I have just accepted that I will be lower on him than most everyone else. I worry about the defensive motor, with being listed at just 6’3” he has to make up for size with effort and that hasn’t been there consistently (as noted by his paltry 0.7 steals per game). I think Acuff will be a good NBA scorer, and there’s certainly a place for guys like that in the league. I just would be curious to see it be Dallas.

---

Games of the week​

Monday, February 16th​

Houston at Iowa State – 8:00 p.m. CT (ESPN)​

Very quietly, Kingston Flemings has played some of his worst ball lately. Houston coach Kelvin Sampson talked about it after Saturday’s win over Kansas State, saying “I didn’t know what he was doing today,”. There are easier places to bounce back than at Hilton Coliseum against this Iowa State group. Just ask Darryn Peterson. We’ll see if Flemings can do it.

Tuesday, February 17th​

Michigan at Purdue – 5:30 p.m. CT (Peacock)​

Louisville at SMU – 6:00 p.m. (ESPN2)​

It’s the start of an outrageous week for Michigan, as they follow up this road game in Mackey Arena by traveling to Washington DC to play Duke in a huge out of conference tune up. Can they manage to get one win during this stretch? Their best chance will probably be against the Boilermakers.

Fellow Mavs Moneyball contributor Bryan Porter and I were able to watch Mikel Brown Jr. in person on Saturday, as he and the Cardinals took down Baylor in Fort Worth. The follow up performance off his blistering week will come on the east side of the Metroplex against SMU. I think he’s in a really good place at the moment, so it would not be surprising to see another great performance.

Wednesday, February 18th​

Arkansas at Alabama – 6:00 p.m. CT (ESPN)​

BYU at Arizona – 8:00 p.m. CT (ESPN)​

Illinois at USC – 9:00 p.m. CT (BTN)​

Darius Acuff will have to be very good for the Hogs, as they take to the road to face off with Labaron Philon and the Tide. Points should be aplenty here, but whichever guard is able to play the best will likely win the game.

BYU is now without veteran wing Richie Saunders, who tore his ACL on Saturday against Colorado. That puts even more pressure on AJ Dybantsa, who will be going against a very good Arizona front line. Koa Peat left Saturday’s game against Texas Tech with a leg injury, so we will need to keep an eye on his status for this one.

Finally, Illinois will hit the west coast to face USC. Alijah Arenas, who missed much of the season after recovering from an offseason car wreck, has shown up and given the Trojans some juice lately. He’s been inefficient from the floor for the most part, but the fact that he’s out there very encouraging for me, especially if he holds off on the draft until next year. He’ll get a measuring stick here against Keaton Wagler, who continues to impress.

Saturday, February 21st​

Arizona at Houston – 2:00 p.m. CT (ABC)​

Michigan vs Duke (in Washington DC) – 5:30 p.m. CT (ESPN)​

Illinois at UCLA – 7:00 p.m. CT (FOX)​

Iowa State at BYU – 9:30 p.m. CT (ESPN)​

Folks, what a Saturday we will be in for! Arizona at Houston is going to be a bloodbath, as these defensive minded teams will be uber physical. The guard play will determine your winner here. Michigan and Duke is a tremendous matchup, with the forward battle of Yaxel Lendeborg and Cam Boozer shaping up to determine the game.

The second game of a west coast trip is a difficult one for these Big Ten teams, and UCLA is pesky enough to give Illinois fits. It will have to be a good Wagler game here to get the job done. Finally, Iowa State walks into the hornets nest that is the Marriott Center against BYU. AJ Dybantsa against this Iowa State front court will be very fun to watch.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...-mikel-brown-jr-duke-michigan-houston-arizona

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Mikel Brown Jr. is entering the picture for PG1 in the 2026 NBA Draft

Louisville Cardinals guard Mikel Brown Jr. (0) celebrates after hitting a three-point goal against NC State at the KFC Yum! Center in downtown Louisville February 9, 2026. | Matt Stone/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Mikel Brown Jr. had become somewhat of a polarizing NBA Draft prospect throughout the 2025-26 college basketball season. Regarded as an elite shooter prior to his arrival at Louisville, Brown Jr. had been anything but that. Prior to last week, Brown Jr. was hovering at around 30% from three point range, while shooting under 40% from the field. Then in three games, Mikel did this.

Louisville freshman Mikel Brown Jr last 3 games…

— 28.7 PTS
— 4.7 REB
— 5.3 AST
— 3.0 STL
— 51.1 FG%
— 53.6 3P%
— 92.0 FT% pic.twitter.com/VfHgYnOxbu

— Tyler Rucker (@tyler_rucker) February 14, 2026

Of course, this is a very small sample size and should be weighted accordingly. But as the people around the Louisville program will tell you, this is who Mikel Brown Jr. is. As coach Pat Kelsey said postgame after Louisville’s 82-71 win over Baylor in Fort Worth, “the back of his bubblegum card says he’s a phenomenal shooter. The law of averages starts to work out and the ball starts going in.”

On the court Saturday, it was very clear early on that Mikel Brown Jr. was the best player on the floor. It wasn’t just the offense either, as this steal on Cam Carr in transition was really well done.

We'll take that

Watch now: https://t.co/FZq211I4nL#GoCards pic.twitter.com/qH4dJLDtYC

— Louisville Men's Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) February 14, 2026

Brown Jr. had several great moments defensively. As The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie pointed out, this was one of the best games Brown Jr. played on the defensive end this entire year. He was able to body up and guard one on one against a few really good Baylor athletes, including Carr and Tounde Yessofou. His five steals were a season high, and it really highlights just how active and engaged Brown Jr. was from the jump.

The thing that stood out to me, watching Brown Jr. in person for the first time, was just how fluid and smooth he was on the offensive end. His jumper is just remarkably pretty. The percentages are what they are, but if you watch Mikel play basketball you will have no questions with the shot. He’s also really smart with what he can do while driving the basketball. On the very first possession of the game, Brown Jr. drove the lane and looked to pass. However, he committed a turnover because he didn’t get deep enough in his drive, throwing the spacing off. Then when you turn around late in the game, he’s doing this to help stretch the lead.

This was also just pure filth from Mikel Brown Jr. against an NBA caliber player in Tounde Yessoufou. My goodness. https://t.co/FnUsiBgyIl pic.twitter.com/TzkDX8dL0d

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) February 15, 2026

The score was nice, but then he’s able to manipulate the defense with his eyes, throwing a sweet no look pass out to the corner for an open three.

Nah this is filthy from Mikel Brown been manipulating the opposing defense consistently again today. pic.twitter.com/O5uohBZ0rJ

— Josh M (@JknowsBBall) February 14, 2026

It all totaled up to a 29-point showing, meaning he averaged a very tidy 37 points per game this week after a 45-point eruption on Monday. I was able to ask Pat Kelsey about Mikel Brown Jr., specifically with his approach to the game. The answer showed a team and a coach that deeply respects their true freshman guard who has quickly become their leader. Kelsey noted how Brown Jr. was really good at staying in his process throughout his struggles, even while recognizing that there was a level of frustration that he was feeling on himself. That’s the joy of shooters though, as you’ve sometimes just got to shoot your way out of it.

Kelsey continued

[Brown Jr.]’s been the quarterback on the floor. He’s being so much more vocal. I mean [J’Vonne Hadley] said it, I love the ownership that he’s taking on the floor. He’s the young guy, compared to some of these guys that are five or six years older than him in some instances, but he’s speaking up. He’s the primary voice in that huddle many times. Over the last three or four games, there’s been several instances where before I could call the next set, he would come over to me and tell me ‘here’s what we’re going to run,’ and I’d say absolutely. I love that when the point guard takes the ball, what time was the game today, three, and gives the ball back to you safe and sound at five. [He’s] got input, and even if it’s a set I don’t want to run, if he says it, we’re running it. Because I want the rest of the guys to know that that’s the quarterback on the floor. I’m proud of him, he’s growing in so many ways. A great teammate, phenomenal kid, just really proud of his growth.

Full response here.​

When you get a coach who talks glowingly about a true freshman point guard, you sit up and start to get excited about what that player can develop into. This class has several of those, with Kingston Flemings and Keaton Wagler right there with Mikel Brown Jr.. For the Mavericks, who are in desperate need of a point guard to be Cooper Flagg’s running mate for the next decade, those words should be music to your ears. It could very well end up being an ice cream draft, where it all depends on what your favorite flavor is. But for my money, there might not be a better fit out there for the Dallas Mavericks than Mikel Brown Jr..

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...ing-the-picture-for-pg1-in-the-2026-nba-draft

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

An update on Kyrie’s return is coming, but we may already have an answer

Oct 6, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (left) and guard Kyrie Irving (right) watch the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Dickie's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks are currently in the midst of their longest losing streak since before the calendar turned over to a new century. Having dropped nine straight games entering the All-Star break, Dallas is currently much better positioned for a high draft pick than they are for a Play In bid, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to not find value in securing another young prospect come June.

Last month, Mavs’ head coach Jason Kidd indicated that the team’s position in the standings would have no bearing on when Kyrie Irving would return to action. Kidd was quoted as saying “It will probably be after the All-Star break but there’s also other plans that could come into play here, too. Being able to get on the floor and play in an NBA game might be just a little bit different than practice.”

Since that time, Irving has himself echoed the same sentiment. On Saturday during a Twitch livestream, he said an update would be coming post-All-Star break.

Kyrie Irving said via Twitch that an update on his recovery from ACL surgery will come after the All-Star break. pic.twitter.com/Ir1GYw8ZD5

— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) February 14, 2026

It is unclear exactly why the update has consistently been targeted for after the All-Star game. Perhaps not wanting to distract from an important weekend for the league at large? Maybe an additional medical clearance is already scheduled for this timeframe? It might just be convenient timing relative to the unofficial second-half of the NBA season. Whatever the case, Irving afforded us some further insight and it may just be a spoiler for the answers we’ve been waiting for.

Kyrie speaks on his recovery from his injury:

“My rehab is going well. Whenever I’m 150% healthy, I’ll be back. I want to be better than where I was. So that's saying a lot. It’s a big hill to climb, but it's worth it.”

(h/t @winigoat7)
pic.twitter.com/Fal0PZyVUK

— Kyrie Center (@kyriecenterig) February 13, 2026

While Irving doesn’t give a day and date for his return, he specifically says “whenever I’m 150% healthy, I’ll be back.” It doesn’t take much searching online to find plenty of evidence that Irving is on the practice court, although not necessarily in five-on-five competitive scenarios. That, along with the “150%” desired level of recovery should give us pause that his return is not imminent, and possibly will not be this season.

As disappointing as this may be, it probably is for the best. Irving has always been in tune with his body and his overall game, and no one can question his dedication to the craft. The fact he wants to be better than he was should be music to Mavs’ fans’ ears. If we have to wait until Cooper Flagg’s sophomore season to see him paired with Irving, some measure of disappointment is warranted. However, the idea of Irving getting an entire second offseason of rehab before spooling back up in training camp and preseason has major appeal. The Mavericks’ shot at any post season play is slim at this point, so there is really no reason to get Irving back on the court with any immediacy.

With All-Star weekend having officially come to a close, we shouldn’t have to wait much longer for definitive answers.

I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...-irving-injury-return-cooper-flagg-jason-kidd

 

[Dallas Mavericks]

Kyrie Irving to miss remainder of season for the Mavericks

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 22: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on after the game against the San Antonio Spurs on OCTOBER 22, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

In the latest installment of Ethical Tanking Theater, the Dallas Mavericks (19-35) announced on Wednesday that Kyrie Irving would miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season as he continues to recover from his ACL reconstruction surgery, which he underwent in 2025.

The team said in a press release that “Irving has made steady progress in rehabilitation and will remain actively engaged with the team through the remainder of the season.”

“This decision wasn’t easy, but it’s the right one,” Irving said. “I am grateful for the Mavericks organization, my teammates and our fans for their continued support throughout the process. I am looking forward to coming back stronger next season. The belief and drive I have inside only grows.”

There was some hope that Irving would return to the court sometime this season after suffering the knee injury that ended his 2024-25 season on March 3 in a 122-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings. The normal recovery time for ACL reconstruction is usually 9-12 months, and here we sit on Wednesday, 11-plus months since Irving crumpled to the ground in the second quarter of that loss.

This news should be viewed through the lens of player health and safety, despite the Mavericks’ current record and downward trajectory. Irving will turn 34 next month, and erring on the side of caution is the only smart thing to do with a player of his caliber and importance to the team. The long end of the normal recovery window would put Irving back on the court sometime in March, and the season will be over in April for these Mavs.

Irving averaged 25.6 points per game in his first full season with the Mavericks and 24.7 before his injury in 2024-25. He shot better than 40% from 3-point range in both his seasons in a Mavs’ uniform.

Fans have been anxious to see how Irving’s game will fit with Cooper Flagg in his rookie-year ascendancy, but they’ll have to wait until year two for that now, when the team’s war chest will hopefully be restocked with another high draft pick in the stellar 2026 NBA Draft. Irving may have been brought here to play Robin to Luka Dončić‘s Batman, but now it appears he’ll come back for 2026-27 as a veteran leader in a young, up-and-coming reboot scenario.

This decision is in the best interest of the player and the team in this case, but it will no doubt be cast as a “tank move” among NBA fans throughout the league. When the loudest cries are pronounced, just be sure to check whose store-bought jersey the one making the call is wearing.

“I wanted to send a huge shoutout to all of my brothers and sisters out there who’ve torn their ACL or gotten injured doing what they love to do every day,” Irving continued in the team release. “Thank you for the inspiration. No fear!”

Source: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/maver...f-season-for-the-mavericks-acl-surgery-injury