Max Christie makes a strong first impression with Dallas Mavericks, which hosts Miami Heat on Thursday in the last match before the All-Star break for both teams.
Christie was considered a throw by many when Mavericks traded star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package highlighted by the Center Anthony Davis center. However, five matches in Christie turn out to be a valuable asset.
The third year guard is an average of 17 points of 50.9 percent shooting since he arrived at Dallas, which has won three of the last four matches.
Christie made her first start for the injured Mavericks on Wednesday and had 17 points, five returns and four assists in Dallas’ 111-107 victory over the visiting Golden State Warriors.
Christie made two free throw with 10.4 seconds left to seal the victory. He credits coach Jason Kidd to help make him feel comfortable with his new team.
“Having a coach who trusts you as it is very important,” Christie said. “Coach Kidd is willing and trusts me enough to put me in these situations, so it means a lot to me as a player and something I want to continue to improve.”
Christie has fitted in next to star points Kyrie Irving, who scored a season high seven 3 points and got 42 points against the Golden State.
“He is obviously a phenomenal player,” said Christie, “but the things that do not show up on the Statbladet with his life and leadership for us as a team are extremely important, and I have noticed it from the first day.”
Mavericks met Warriors without Davis (left adductor tribe), Daniel Gafford (right knee destruction), PJ Washington (right ankle) and Dante Exum (left Achilles density). Dallas had only one player higher than 6 feet-8 available.
The four injured players are expected to be out again when Mavericks meets Miami, who fell to Thunder 115-101 in Oklahoma City on Wednesday for her third straight loss.
Bam Adebayo led the heat with 27 points and 15 returns, while Tyler Herro and Davion Mitchell each added 14 points. Miami had control during most of the game until Oklahoma City opened the fourth quarter on a 24-0 driving.
“Right now I’m going with what I saw during the first three quarters,” said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra. “We have made some progress during the last 24 hours from our session (Tuesday) night and in Shootaround. And then we could not maintain.
“I see many positive effects that we can build on. It is not about moral victories. But right now we are trying to build this thing quickly.”
Miami’s Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier missed the Wednesday game due to a stomach disease that has hit the team this week.
The heat used its 13th different starting lineup on Wednesday, but Spoelstra indicated that new acquisitions Mitchell could become a cornerstone together with Herro in Backcourt.
“We like the potential and the possibilities,” said Spoelstra. “I think we all just want to see it. Davion brings that bulldog mentality. He wants to get the ball to other guys. I think they complement each other.”
-Field level media
