Cooper Flagg didn’t waste any time zeroing in on what made Morez Johnson Jr. so effective in Dallas’ win over the Utah Jazz on Friday. The rookie forward’s numbers told part of the story, but Flagg’s postgame breakdown put the emphasis exactly where it belonged: on the work Johnson put in possession after possession.
“Yeah, I thought Rez was amazing,” Flagg said. “You know, Rez. Nah, but I think it was just his effort crashing every single time.”
That was the engine behind Johnson’s night. He finished with 13 points and 17 rebounds in just under 24 minutes, picking up his first double-double of the season and giving Dallas a huge boost on the glass. His 10 offensive rebounds stood out most, creating extra chances and helping the Mavericks control that part of the game.
Flagg made it clear that the rebounding wasn’t just a stat line - it was a sign of how hard Johnson was playing.
“Only 10 offensive rebounds. I mean, that doesn't happen without incredible effort.
I mean, he was playing both sides of the ball at a really high level. So, you know, I think when he's in that mode, it's gonna make us a lot better.”
Johnson wasn’t the only Maverick making noise. Flagg led the team with 21 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, while P.J.
Washington added a team-high 26 points. Kyrie Irving also suited up despite being on the injury report and contributed 14 points and three steals.
The result was a 5-4 record overall for Dallas, along with a 2-0 mark in NBA Cup group play. It also snapped a two-game losing streak for the Mavericks.
Now Dallas heads into Sunday’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets with a little more momentum and a better standing in NBA Cup Group A.
In Other News...
Jeremy Sochans Dallas Decision Could Shape What Comes Next
The Mavericks developmental pipeline got a little more interesting this week as Jeremy Sochan weighed his next step and, in the process, highlighted how much front-office relationships can matter when a player is deciding between staying in the U.S. or heading overseas. For Dallas, the choice is about more than one players immediate landing spot. It speaks to how the organization is trying to position its G League affiliate as a real option for talent that might otherwise look to Europe for a clearer path and a bigger role.
The timing also matters because the broader market for available players keeps shifting. Cedi Osman is facing a lengthy recovery after surgery on his right meniscus, Greg Brown III is set for surgery on a ruptured right Achilles tendon, and Dalano Banton was waived after a brief stint in China, while Ed Davis is dealing with allegations tied to a sports bribery scheme involving Malik Beasley. Against that backdrop, Dallas has a chance to keep building a development network that feels stable and appealing, even if the full payoff from Sochans decision is still to come. [Read more 🡒]
Mavericks Finally Look Healthier But One Rotation Question Still Looms
The Mavericks are starting to get some bodies back at a useful time, with a back-to-back looming against the Nets and Pacers. Kyrie Irving is not listed on the injury report for the upcoming game, and Dallas is finally getting closer to something resembling its regular rotation after a stretch in which availability has been a moving target.
Even so, the injury report still leaves a few questions hanging over Sunday. Dallas has four players listed, with three already ruled out because of various injuries, so the staff may still have to juggle minutes and roles even as the roster gets healthier. Brooklyn has not submitted its report yet, but the Nets are expected to be without guards Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr., which only adds another layer to a game where the Mavericks are trying to stabilize their lineup without overextending anyone. [Read more 🡒]
Mavericks Frontcourt Problem Is Suddenly Becoming A Real Advantage
What looked like a preseason concern for Dallas has started to look like a roster strength, with the backup point guard spot and the frontcourt both holding up better than expected. Contributions from Walter Clayton Jr., Naji Marshall and Daniel Gafford have helped steady the rotation, while coach Dusty May has gotten the kind of defensive buy-in that can change the tone of a team early in the season.
The bigger development is how that depth is shaping the Mavericks identity on that end of the floor. Dallas has been more versatile with its lineups and has been able to keep energy on the court, with the frontcourt group giving the staff more ways to mix and match without losing physicality. For a team that entered the year with questions in those areas, the early returns have been encouraging, even if the full ceiling of this group is still unfolding. [Read more 🡒]