Another day, another dominant victory from the Dallas Mavericks, as they defeat the New York Knicks 114-97 Monday evening. Part of the NBA’s slate of games honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the game started earlier than usual and the Knicks didn’t get the memo.
The Mavericks played one of their best games of the season from the opening tip, beating the Knicks handedly from end to end, who continue their collapse down the Eastern conference standings. Transition scoring and 3-point excellence propelled the Mavericks to an excellent offensive game, as they were able to leverage their speed and athleticism to outwork the Knicks.
The Moose is loose
Is it a bit sad that Moussa Cisse is the Mavericks best big man?
Yes.
Has he shown real flashes?
Also yes.
The rookie two-way big man recorded perhaps his best game yet as a pro, contributing 15 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks. His effort and intensity has been a joy to watch, and he also brings real physical tools. His offensive skill is also not to be scoffed at, as his vertical leaping ability provides value in pick-and-roll situations. While the Mavericks do have a glut at center, Cisse could become an important piece if trades materialize.
Mad Max Christie shines again
There has been no player on the Mavericks who have raised their stock more than Max Christie this season. His development as a 3-point shooter has completely changed my outlook on him as a player. Rather than just being a good defender and athlete, he has become a legitimate offensive weapon.
Christie is shooting over 45% from three this season, and his volume is only increasing.
His archetype as a a player has become increasingly more valuable over the past few years, as the days of pure three-and-D players is over. Christie’s combination of shooting, defense, and tertiary creation makes him the ideal modern day role player. This ascension has made him an invaluable piece for the future of this team going forward, as he is a perfect partner in crime for Cooper Flagg.
The Mavericks win track meets
If there is one thing the Mavericks do at an elite level, it is run in transition.
That was no more apparent than in this game, as the Mavericks racked up 32 fast break points, compared to only four for the Knicks. This type of easy offense is invaluable for this team, seeing as how they can struggle so mightily to generate consistent half court offense. Specifically against the older, slower teams, ones that often don’t have the effort or energy that the Maverick’s play with. The Mavs were able to snag rebounds and run immediately, often catching the Knicks in a lackadaisical jog back to play defense.
Semi-transition was also a major factor for the offensive success. This worked due to the Mavericks generating bad matchups, most often being Jalen Brunson having to guard Naji Marshall or Cooper Flagg, which did not go well for the Knicks. This type of fast paced barrage is one that has won Dallas games against contenders, as they often do not treat the Mavericks with any level of respect.
The Knicks are a failed experiment
While this is a Mavericks site, I feel the need to vent about this Knicks team, as they continue to play horrible basketball. The biggest fear surrounding the Knicks was the defensive paring of Jalen Brunson, and Karl-Anthony Towns, which has been realized in this recent stretch of games.
This game specifically was an embarrassing performance from both, as Brunson was hunted relentlessly by the Mavericks wings. His lack of size and effort is an incredibly hard combo to build around, as having a weak link of that severity is usually a death sentence for a contender.
Towns wasn’t much better, as he was not only a complete non-factor at the rim, but had a mission to inflict as much pain as he could upon Dwight Powell. At this point, I do not think a team built around Towns and Brunson can win a title, no matter how many 2-way wings you surround them with.
