The Dallas Mavericks pulled away from the New York Knicks on Friday, beating them 99-86. You probably already knew that. If you did not click here to get an overview of how it happened.
Everyone caught up? Well. Here are the key figures we were worth knowing for the big win that started a real winning streak!
34: Jalen Brunson’s positive plus or minus in just 25 minutes
After an All-Star match after an obstacle, Jalen Brunson once again looks fantastic off the bench and his recent match log proves how effective he has been over time. He shoots the ball well, spreads, gets rebounds and helps the Mavericks in general to give a spark, as well as to bring home winning points like he did against the Celtics on Wednesday.
But a plus-34 within 25 minutes is absurd. Look at the score of the box, only Maxi Kleber comes close with the rating, but the contributions of Maxi’s score of the box support the numbers that were just on the track before.
5: This is the fifth opponent Mavericks has scored under 90 points
In the super-laden era of offensive basketball, a recipe for success is a team under 100. 90 is a whole other level and although Dallas was helped by Knick uselessness, New York did not shoot under 40% on its own. The latest achievement is something they have achieved just eight times this year.
It’s unclear whether the Mavericks are an average, let alone a good, defensive team. But they are definitely capable of playing good defense, they just have to commit the whole game. Kristaps Porzingis was great in this regard Friday night.
1: Jamahl Mosley’s first win as NBA head coach
As Rick Carlisle missed the game due to COVID-19 protocols (he is fine and will be with the team again tomorrow), first assistant chairman Jamahl Mosley led the team off the bench and scored his first win. He is a good coach and the players respond to him. Here is some healthy content to send you into your weekend.