The Dallas Mavericks are riding a four-game win streak - their longest of the season - and one of the biggest reasons for that surge is Max Christie. The fourth-year guard is shooting the lights out and playing with a confidence that’s hard to ignore.
After being dealt by the Lakers in the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade, Christie has taken that chip on his shoulder and turned it into fuel. Now, he’s emerging as one of the most dangerous young shooters in the league.
And with All-Star Weekend fast approaching, Christie might have the perfect stage to show just how far he’s come - and do it right in the Lakers’ backyard.
While the All-Star festivities will technically be held at the Clippers’ Intuit Dome, it’s still Los Angeles. And for Christie, the idea of stepping into the 3-Point Contest under those lights, in that city, could be more than just a showcase - it could be a statement.
“That’d be great,” Christie said when asked about the possibility of competing. “That’d be super cool.
Something I definitely wouldn’t turn down. Something that would be a dream come true for me and if I get the nod, that would be amazing.
If not, I’m still grateful for the season I’m having so far.”
It’s hard to argue with that perspective - or with the numbers he’s putting up. Christie is in the midst of a breakout season, shooting a career-best 45.7% from deep.
That’s a 9.1% jump from last year, and it’s not just about efficiency - it’s about volume and confidence. He’s letting it fly more than ever, and he’s doing it within the flow of the Mavericks’ offense.
Head coach Jason Kidd deserves credit here too. He’s carved out a role for Christie that maximizes his strengths - spacing the floor, hitting shots off movement, and complementing the Mavs’ young core, including rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. The chemistry between Christie and Flagg has been one of the more intriguing developments for Dallas this season, and it’s not going unnoticed.
Flagg himself recently pointed to Christie as the ideal candidate for the 3-Point Contest, and it’s easy to see why. Over the Mavs’ last three games, Christie has been on a heater.
Against the Jazz on January 17, he hit 50% of his threes, knocking down three from beyond the arc. That came after a rough shooting night in his previous game, which was impacted by illness.
But Christie bounced back in a big way.
Then came his masterpiece - a career night against the New York Knicks. Christie went 8-for-10 from three, an 80% clip that not only set a personal best for makes in a game but also served as a loud reminder: this guy can shoot with the best of them.
That kind of performance doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of hard work, rhythm, and the kind of confidence that only comes when a player knows he belongs.
And right now, Christie belongs.
He’s no longer just a throw-in from a blockbuster trade. He’s becoming a foundational piece for a Mavericks team that’s trying to turn the page after a turbulent year.
When Dallas moved on from Doncic, fans were understandably shaken. The Anthony Davis experiment didn’t exactly win over the fanbase either.
But Christie’s emergence is offering something new - hope.
It’s not just about his shooting, either. Christie is evolving into a true three-level scorer.
He’s more aggressive off the dribble, more comfortable creating his own shot, and more reliable in crunch time. In a season that’s seen its fair share of ups and downs, Christie has been a steady bright spot.
With the trade deadline looming, there’s a growing sense that Dallas might need to consider Christie untouchable. His age, upside, and current production make him a rare asset - the kind of player you build around, not shop around.
So if the NBA is looking for a compelling name to add to the 3-Point Contest lineup, Christie checks every box. He’s got the numbers, the narrative, and the momentum.
Plus, imagine the buzz if he steps onto that stage in L.A. and puts on a show. It wouldn’t just be a personal moment of redemption - it’d be a highlight for a Mavericks franchise that’s been searching for one all year.
The only thing left? That official invite. And if Christie gets it, don’t be surprised if he makes the most of it - just like he’s done with every opportunity this season.