Player Ratings: Dallas beats Oklahoma City, 121-119

Coming off a big 110-93 win vs San Antonio Spursthe Dallas Mavericks traveled to Oklahoma City for a game against the Thunder. OKC had a rest advantage as Dallas was on the second night of a back-to-back. Both teams were dealing with injuries: OKC was without their entire center rotation and Alex Caruso, while Dallas was without Luka Doncic for the first time this year. The Mavericks played from the front for most of this high-tempo affair, with Dallas holding the lead after each of the first three quarters. In the end, it was just enough to come out on top with a massive 121-119 win. Let’s judge what we saw.

PJ Washington: A+

27 points (7/13 FG) 17 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks

Our resident Thunder whisperer had another great game against OKC, rekindling some of the magic he had in May’s 2nd round playoff series. He took full advantage of this small OKC lineup. He was excellent at all levels of attack, hitting outside shots which opened up his drives for kicks and finishes. PJ was dominant in the post which just adds another level to what he does. You can also see what he adds on the defensive end, doing well to stay in front of a very fast OKC team. No notes, A+.

Kyrie Irving: A

23 points (9/18 FG), 6 assists, 1 rebound

Kyrie was passive early as PJ Washington had it going, but in the second half Irving was able to deliver for Dallas with some excellent shooting down the stretch. For all that Dallas lacked without Doncic in this one, Irving provided the ball handling and playmaking that Dallas desperately needed. Considering his struggles with this team in the playoffs, his 23 points were huge.

Derek Lively & Daniel Gafford: A-

Total 17 points (7/14 FG), 17 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks

I thought both bigs played really well against this small lineup that OKC is forced to go with. Daniel Gafford contributed his 7th straight double-digit scoring effort, a career best. His double-double off the bench was impactful, as it was against Spurs. Lively didn’t stop providing the statistical output that Gafford did, but his ability to be a hub in the post for assists and offensive creation was just as valuable. The big man’s tandem may be back!

Quentin Grimes: B

10 points (2/5 FG), 3 rebounds, 2 assists

Grimes didn’t shoot the ball particularly well here, but he’s just the type of player that needs to play for his impact to be felt. He hit two big 3-pointers off offensive rebounds, which are some of the most rebounding shots in the game. His drives were also good, producing four free throw attempts. Overall, this game was nothing special, but he was a useful cog in an important team win.

Klay Thompson: D

5 points (1/11 FG), 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block

Klay found himself struggling from the field once again, connecting on his first jumper of the game but missing his next 10, including some outstanding looks throughout the rest of the game. But with a guy who has a history as robust as his, I want Klay to shoot every open look he can possibly get. He’s historically at his worst early in the year, so hopefully he’ll work his way into form as we go.

Naji Marshall: B+

13 points (4/6 FG), 4 rebounds, 3 assists

I continue to be deeply impressed with Naji’s playing skills. His shooting hasn’t been falling to start the year, but his off the dribble game has been so strong to make up for it. The knife was also pretty good defensively tonight. He gets grief for some late dribbles which got very sketchy! But once the shots start going in, he will be a real problem for teams. Even in this current state, Marshall has been everything we could have hoped for.

Jaden Hardy: A

13 points (6/9 FG), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

This was the best game Jaden Hardy has played this year and he saved it for a great time when Dallas was short handed. His 13 points were efficient and shot 66% from the floor on 9 attempts. His drives were strong, where he was able to finish three layups and force the defense’s hand. His 24 minutes were impactful.

Spencer Dinwiddie: B

10 points (3/7 FG), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

I’ve been critical of Dinwiddie’s start to the year, but this was one of his better performances of the season. His 3-pointers were critical, including one that forced an OKC timeout. I was still amazed at some of the aimless drives he had, but if he can hang in there, he can sneak back into the rotation.

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