Mavericks point guard Jalen Brunson, an unrestricted free agent this summer, scored a career-high 41 points during the Mavericks’ 110-104 Game 2 victory over the Jazz Monday night, as Tim MacMahon of ESPN writes. The win knots Dallas’ first-round series with Utah at 1-1.
Dallas explored a five-out offensive attack, capitalizing on a Jazz weakness (guarding the perimeter). Brunson’s performance proved critical for a Mavericks club missing its lone All-Star in Luka Doncic, still sidelined with a left calf strain.
“I know he’s dying to get out there soon, but he’s got to take his time,” Brunson said of his backcourt mate. “I know he’s doing everything in his power to not let his team down, but he has to make the decision that’s best for him. Not necessarily knowing where he is [in the recovery process], but I just know that he’s a competitor and he wants to be out there. We’re trying to hold it down for him.”
Following a breakout fourth season in Dallas and thanks to this playoff start, the market for Brunson should be robust this summer. He’s averaging 32.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 5.0 APG and 1.0 SPG across the first two games of the Utah series. For the regular season, Brunson registered averages of 16.3 PPG, 4.8 APG, and 3.9 APG, along with a shooting line of .502/.373/.840.
There’s more out of the Lone Star State:
- Mavericks big man Maxi Kleber, dealing with a severe long-range shooting slump, seems to have righted the ship across his first two playoff games with Dallas this season, per Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com. Kleber had been converting 18.8% of his three-point looks since returning from the All-Star break, but is now 10-of-16 from deep over the first two games of the Utah series. “Obviously it is a big boost, but even in the games before when I didn’t shoot well, I think overall I still did many things and we won as a team,” Kleber said. “It doesn’t matter if I get a hot day and make my shots or somebody else does. All we care about is getting the win. Obviously, it feels really good to make those shots because the end of the season wasn’t my prettiest.”
- The rebuilding Rockets face a variety of roster choices during the 2022 offseason. Kelly Iko of The Athletic previews what could be an action-packed summer for Houston in a new piece. Iko examines the fits of expected high-lottery draft picks Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero and Jaden Ivey; the future of $47.4MM man John Wall; potential extensions for Kevin Porter Jr. and Jae’Sean Tate, and more.
- The Spurs face an interesting decision during the 2022 offseason, as fourth-year shooting guard Lonnie Walker IV is set to hit restricted free agency, writes Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News. The 6’4″ wing has indicated that he is “hopeful” to sign a new deal with San Antonio. “Everyone talks about what I do for the community, but nobody talks about what the community does for us as players — the love and energy and everything they instill in us,” Walker said. “I embrace the fact the community embraced me. I’ve been having a hell of a time.” The 34-48 Spurs finished with the No. 10 seed and a play-in tournament appearance this season. In 70 games for San Antonio, Walker averaged a career-high 12.1 PPG and 2.2 APG, plus 2.6 RPG, in 23.0 MPG. He posted shooting splits of .407/.314/.784 this season.
One of the biggest storylines to come in a weak free agency
Dude has earned a bag this year no doubt
I think it goes over a 4/80 now and probably 4/90 something
If Dallas(re) inks him they will be paying a top 5 payroll ever in the NBA
I thought getting a small look w/out Luka for a playoff game or 2 might give Dal some answers…Im more puzzled now than a week ago
NYk makes Oh so much sense and lines up well on the ledgers and asset holdings to make both teams happy
What do you think would make both teams happy?
Dallas getting to unload a longer contract for one of Knicks many expiring’s and a future 1st rder
But I really have No clue the direction Cuban is heading, or how much money he is willing to pay….It’s not like ALL the decisions up to this point didn’t shed light on this day coming… Guess there has to be a plan and maybe its just as simple as slide the check under the door and ill just gulp and sign it. Very odd situation they have…Most 150 million dollar teams don’t just crop up potential stars in short order…this year we had 2 teams do it w Poole and Brunson tho there’s plenty of time for Poole sitch to get sorted out , Bunson less than 100 days
Send Bullock back!
Thibs is preparing a max contract offer sheet.
We don’t want Brunson. Only way I take him is for Randle. Actually, Randle can work in Dallas. Cause he is back home. And he will not stand up to Luka. He understands Luka is king. This actually makes sense for Mavs. They’d be getting the good version of Randle.
Not a big fan of Brunson. Rather have Dinwiddie. Makes no sense paying him. When you got Quickley and McBride. Unless you move Randle. Also you then have to redo the roster.
Cuban will step up and pay Brunson. He would be a fool not too. Dinwiddle or Hardaway will be on the move. Bertans and a 1st to get rid of his contract.
What if “Thibs is preparing a max contract offer sheet”?
“I think it goes over a 4/80 now and probably 4/90 something” but here in the absense of Doncic, he gets 41 with NO turnovers and somehow Kleber ignites.