Player Grades: Reviewing a bounce back 113-97 win against the Clippers

Kyrie Irving returned to lineup and the Mavericks responded to Thursday’s disappointing loss with a balanced effort all around to smother the visiting Clippers.

Strength in Depth. The Dallas Mavericks used it effectively to bounce back from a disappointing loss on Thursday. They led almost from start to finish, beating the Los Angeles Clippers 113-97. Eight players scored in double digits to lead one of the most balanced efforts we’ve seen in recent memory.

Kyrie Irving was back in the lineup after missing Thursday’s game (Shoulder soreness) which was a welcome relief for the Mavericks, having played Thursday’s game without both superstars, though Luka Doncic remained out in this game (Left Heel contusion). Jaden Hardy, Dante Exum & Brandon Williams were all out as well.

The Mavericks played solidly all game fending off multiple runs by the Clippers and ultimately pulled away behind a great fourth quarter from Quentin Grimes, who led all Mavericks coming off the bench, and Klay Thompson who continued his solid play from the last few games.

Here’s a look at how the Mavericks graded out in a bounce-back effort against the Clippers:

Kyrie Irving: C

15 Points / 3 Rebounds / 6 Assists

Kyrie looked rusty in his game back, which is understandable considering that this is his first game in a week and only his second in the last fortnight. Kyrie was uncharacteristically inefficient going 6-of-25 from the field and 2-of-9 from three and it felt like he was forcing it at times in the fourth quarter. He did keep the ball moving with six assists and was a plus-12 overall which is great to see on an off night.

Spencer Dinwiddie: B+

11 Points / 3 Rebounds / 6 Assists / 3 Steals

Dinwiddie started tonight’s game in Doncic’s absence and was solid as the secondary playmaker. He was inefficient though, going 4of-13 from the floor and 1-of-6 from three. He did balance that out though by getting to the line and hitting all six of his free throws. Spencer has solidified his role as a spot starter/first guard off the bench over the last 15 games which is great to see.

Klay Thompson: A

16 Points / 1 Rebounds / 1 Assist / 4 Steals

Klay continued his great play from the last three weeks or so with timely shot-making, going 4-of-6 from three and solid defense with four steals. His work along with PJ Washington was critical in keeping the clamps on James Harden all night. He was a team-high plus-14 in 24 minutes and is slowly becoming the player that the Mavericks envisioned as the third piece to complement their two superstars.

Dereck Lively: A

11 Points / 11 Rebounds / 5 Assists / 2 Steals / 2 Blocks

Lively bounced back after getting punked by Zubac on Thursday with a double-double and stuffed the stat sheet. It felt like Lively was everywhere on the court at all times with timely offensive rebounds leading to second chance points and highlight blocks. Lively has had a fairly inconsistent sophomore season so far, but games like this can’t help but get Mavericks fans excited.

P.J. Washington: B+

10 Points / 7 Rebounds / 1 Assists / 1 Steal / 1 Block

PJ Washington continued to extend his double-digit scoring streak but was fairly inefficient needing 11 shots to get to 10 points. He brought his trademark physicality and defensive nous to play a vital role in keeping James Harden and Norman Powell quiet all game. If he continues in this vein, he should be getting some All-Defensive honors love.

Quentin Grimes: A+

20 Points / 7 Rebounds / 1 Assist

Grimes’ fourth quarter was key in fending off the Clippers with 14 points in the frame. There was a point where he went on a personal nine point run in 59 seconds of game time. It felt like he couldn’t miss all game long going 7-of-8 from the field. He was also excellent on the boards with some strong defensive rebounding, which is great to see from the Mavericks’ guard depth.

Naji Marshall: B+

12 Points / 3 Rebounds / 2 Assists / 1 Steal

Naji continued doing Naji things providing timely buckets and hard defense as he continued to build up after missing a significant period over the last month. His uptick in three point shooting hasn’t wavered over that break though as he hit 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.

Daniel Gafford: A

13 Points / 6 Rebounds / 2 Assists / 2 Blocks

Gafford rebounded from a rough game on Thursday, where he repeatedly got punked by Zubac, to start a fresh double-digit scoring streak. It was fairly evident in watching that he made a concentrated effort to bring some more physicality to the game and was rewarded with multiple trips to the free throw line, going 5-of-7 from the stripe.

Maxi Kleber: B

1 Point / 2 Rebound / 1 Assist / 1 Steal

Maxi actually took a shot! He missed it though, along with two others that he took, but he actually shot the ball. If you’re as surprised as I am, raise your hand. Kleber primarily played backup four, being paired up with both Mavericks’ big men to provide some additional size on the defensive end to combat Zubac. The best thing you can say at this point is that he exists and can provide some minutes to give PJ a breather.

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