Max Christie, feeling exhilarated after a strong performance, walked out of Madison Square Garden last February following a 15-point outing against the New York Knicks, where the Los Angeles Lakers secured a decisive victory. However, his excitement quickly shifted when he learned that he was to be traded to the Dallas Mavericks as part of a major deal that sent superstar Luka Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, the Mavericks’ unprotected 2029 first-round pick, and Christie himself.
Critics widely condemned the trade, believing that the Mavericks did not receive sufficient compensation for Dončić, who at the time was a five-time All-NBA First Team member and fresh off leading the team to the NBA Finals. Since the trade, Davis’s tenure with the Mavericks has been plagued by injuries, resulting in him playing only 31 games, leading Dallas to explore the possibility of trading him. In contrast, Max Christie is carving out a bright future with the Mavericks.
The young 22-year-old has emerged as one of the league’s most proficient outside shooters this season. In a recent game against the Knicks, Christie had a career night, draining eight three-pointers and scoring a game-high 26 points in a commanding 114-97 victory for the Mavericks. Following the game, Christie expressed that when in the zone, players can feel an exhilarating flow state, allowing their instincts to take over on the court.
Christie’s performance was especially impressive as he achieved his previous career high in three-pointers during the first half of the game. He hit his sixth triple just before halftime, contributing to a commanding 30-point lead for the Mavericks. While the team struggled offensively in the second half, their first-half performance was strong enough to secure their third consecutive win and only their fifth road victory of the season.
Teammate Cooper Flagg praised Christie’s aggressive performance, noting that there have been moments earlier in the season where Christie was hesitant to shoot. With shooting being a crucial area of need for the Mavericks, coaches have encouraged Christie to increase his attempts from beyond the arc. Currently boasting a remarkable shooting rate of 45.9% on three-pointers, Christie aims to take more shots, targeting up to ten attempts per game to aid the Mavericks’ offensive struggles.
Despite Dallas ranking 27th in points scored per 100 possessions, Christie is not far behind the team leader, Klay Thompson, in three-point makes this season. Their shooting woes highlight the importance of Christie’s emerging role as a key perimeter player.
As the Mavericks look to build on their recent success, Christie’s development and potential participation in the All-Star Weekend’s Rising Stars Challenge and 3-point shooting contest reflect the promise of youth within the team. Christie views such an opportunity as a dream come true, expressing hope for inclusion in the All-Star events, which would not only affirm his hard work but also signal a bright future ahead for him in the NBA.