The Dallas Mavericks are looking very strong to start the 2024-25 season, going 3-1 over their first four games following a 120-114 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards was electric from the start, scoring 24 of his game-high 37 points in the first quarter, setting a new Target Center record. He hit an impressive 7 of 13 from beyond the arc as well, but it wasn’t enough to take down the dynamic duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.
Kyrie Irving poured in 16 of his 35 points during a dominant third quarter, while Luka Doncic surged late to finish with 24 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, helping the Dallas Mavericks fend off the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 120-114 victory on Tuesday. This marked the first rematch since last season’s Western Conference finals, and it is time to grade every Mavericks player for their impressive performances tonight.
Kyrie Irving: A+
Stats: 35 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 13-23 FG, 6-8 3-PT FG, 3-5 FT, 39 mins
Kyrie Irving was sensational tonight, scoring 35 points on 13-of-23 shooting, including 6-of-8 from three. His 16-point outburst in the third quarter gave the Mavericks the momentum they needed, and he maintained efficient shooting throughout. Irving’s balanced scoring and leadership helped keep the Timberwolves at bay and he carried the Mavericks for most of the night while Luka Doncic was struggling shooting the ball.
Luka Doncic: A
Stats: 24 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 3 turnovers, 10-27 FG, 1-8 3-PT FG, 3-4 FT, 40 mins
Luka played a crucial role, especially in the final quarter, finishing with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Though he struggled from three (1-of-8), his playmaking and late-game impact were critical. Luka managed the game well in the clutch and contributed to the Mavericks’ overall composure down the stretch, and he will always be a threat with the ball in his hands. Doncic earns an A because of his all-around play and clutch performances late in the game against a very tough opponent.
P.J. Washington: B+
Stats: 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 7-13 FG, 3-6 3-PT FG, 0-0 FT, 32 mins
Washington provided valuable support with 17 points and 8 rebounds on an efficient 7-of-13 shooting. He was reliable from deep, hitting 3-of-6 threes, and added solid rebounding on both ends. Washington’s contributions helped give the Mavericks a balanced offensive effort and he will need to keep up this play because he will need to be the fourth (and sometimes third) option for the team depending on Klay Thompson’s shooting performance.
Daniel Gafford: B+
Stats: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 0 turnovers, 6-6 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 2-2 FT, 21 mins
Starting center Daniel Gafford was perfect from the field, going 6-of-6 for 14 points, along with 4 rebounds, a block, and a steal in just 21 minutes. His efficiency and presence in the paint gave Dallas an added interior edge, though he was somewhat limited by minutes. The center ran the floor, finished inside, and took his chances well throughout the game and deserves a B+ for his efforts against Rudy Gobert who only had 7 points and 8 rebounds tonight.
Dereck Lively II: C+
Stats: 5 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 block, 1 turnover, 2-3 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 1-2 FT, 27 mins
Backup center Dereck Lively II was active on the boards, pulling down 9 rebounds and adding 3 steals and a block. Although he scored only 5 points, his hustle on defense was valuable in a physical game. Lively’s rebounding was key, but he’ll look to make a larger impact offensively if he wants to hold down the starting point as the season progresses.
Quentin Grimes: C+
Stats: 9 points, 1 rebound, 0 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 3-5 FG, 3-5 3-PT FG, 0-0 FT, 12 mins
Grimes played limited minutes but contributed 9 points, shooting 3-of-5 from three. He didn’t add much outside of scoring, with only 1 rebound and no assists, but his efficient shooting in short spurts was useful for the Mavericks who will always need more scoring help for Doncic and Irving.
Klay Thompson: C
Stats: 7 points, 0 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 2-7 FG, 2-7 3-PT FG, 1-1 FT, 30 mins
Klay Thompson had a quiet night, scoring only 7 points on 2-of-7 shooting from three. He struggled to find his rhythm, contributing just one assist and no rebounds. His shooting was off, which limited his impact, though he provided spacing as a threat from deep and was capable defensively. We will come to expect nights like these from Thompson since he is past his prime, but the Mavericks are showing they can make up for it effectively.
Spencer Dinwiddie: C
Stats: 3 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 1-5 FG, 1-5 3-PT FG, 0-0 FT, 18 mins
Backup point guard Spencer Dinwiddie scored only 3 points on 1-of-5 shooting and added 2 rebounds and 2 assists. He had a limited impact and struggled to contribute offensively, though he did provide a bit of ball movement off the bench and his experience will always be needed even if his shots don’t fall.
Naji Marshall: C
Stats: 4 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 0-3 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 4-4 FT, 16 mins
Marshall struggled from the field, missing all three of his attempts, but he managed to score 4 points from free throws and added 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Though he didn’t make an impact on offense, his hustle on defense and passing provided some value in his limited minutes.
Jaden Hardy: N/A
Stats: 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 1-1 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 0-0 FT, 4 mins
Jaden Hardy played only 4 minutes, scoring 2 points on his single field goal attempt. With such limited time on the court, it’s tough to assess his overall impact.
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