The Dallas Mavericks secured an exhilarating win on Sunday night against the Golden State Warriors, clinching a 143-133 victory during Klay Thompson’s second home game in the Bay Area. The Mavericks showcased an impressive shooting performance, hitting 59.8 percent of their shots from the field and 51.2 percent from three-point range.
This matchup stood out as one of the Mavericks’ most comprehensive victories this season. Star players Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, and Klay Thompson combined for an astounding 95 points with an overall shooting accuracy of 62.2 percent. Notably, this game marked Thompson’s best performance since joining the Mavericks. Additionally, Doncic recorded his 80th career triple-double and achieved a season-high of 45 points, demonstrating his MVP-caliber form.
While the focus has been on integrating Thompson into the offense and rekindling Doncic’s standout performance, the contributions from the Mavericks’ bench were equally commendable. Although the bench did not post overwhelming statistics, they played a crucial role in maintaining the team’s momentum, particularly against the Warriors’ strong shooting.
Quentin Grimes stood out as the most impactful bench player, continuing the momentum he built during the Mavericks’ earlier NBA Cup game against the Warriors. Grimes scored 14 points with four three-pointers, solidifying his place in the rotation. He has scored in double digits in nine of the last 14 games, emerging as a reliable shot creator and an efficient three-point shooter.
Doncic emphasized the potential for Grimes to become even more formidable, urging the Mavericks to design more plays for him to receive catch-and-shoot opportunities. Currently, Grimes has only shot five or more three-pointers in six of his 24 games, indicating room for increased involvement. With a season average of 41.6 percent from beyond the arc, enhancing his opportunities could elevate him to one of the top sixth-men in the league.
Grimes’ offensive versatility has been a pleasant surprise, fully meeting head coach Jason Kidd’s expectations. It would be beneficial for Kidd to increase Grimes’ playing time and create tailored opportunities for him, allowing the Mavericks to heighten their offensive effectiveness as they continue their season.
In summary, the Mavericks not only showcased their star power against the Warriors but also highlighted the importance of developing their bench strength and utilizing players like Grimes. With continued strategic emphasis on his shooting capabilities, there’s a hopeful outlook for the team as they enhance their collaborative play moving forward.