The Mavericks got a major lift on Saturday with the return of Max Christie - and he wasted no time making his presence felt.
After missing two games due to an illness that’s been making the rounds in the locker room, the 22-year-old guard came back looking fresh and focused. Christie poured in 22 points on an efficient 7-of-13 shooting, added four assists, two rebounds, and two steals, and posted a team-best +29 in just 26 minutes of action in Dallas’ 18-point win over Utah. That’s the kind of two-way impact that head coach Jason Kidd has come to expect from the young guard.
“He’s one of our best shooters and most athletic guys,” Kidd said postgame. “But we missed him on the defensive end, too.
He just competes. He’s one of those guys who can go both ways.”
Christie’s return added a jolt to a Mavericks team that’s quietly been building momentum, and his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor was a reminder of just how valuable he is in this rotation.
Klay Thompson Keeps Climbing the Record Books
It’s been a milestone week for Klay Thompson, who continues to etch his name deeper into NBA history. On Thursday, he passed Damian Lillard for fourth all-time in made three-pointers. Then on Saturday, he checked off another big number: 17,000 career points.
Thompson didn’t just reach the milestone - he did it in style. In just 20 minutes, he dropped 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting, showing flashes of the vintage Klay that made him one of the most dangerous scorers of his era.
“It’s been awesome, especially when I shoot the ball well and we win,” Thompson said after the game. “What a nice combo.”
For Dallas, Thompson’s presence has been more than just symbolic. He’s giving the Mavs real scoring punch in limited minutes, and his rhythm from deep is starting to look automatic again.
Brandon Williams Making the Most of His Moment
Another name that’s quietly making waves for Dallas is Brandon Williams. The 27-year-old backup guard, who’s set to hit free agency this summer, continued his strong stretch with 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, along with five assists, four rebounds, and two steals in 28 minutes.
Williams finished the night with a +30 - a stat that speaks volumes about the energy and efficiency he’s bringing off the bench. He’s proving to be a reliable spark plug, and if he keeps producing like this, he could be playing himself into a larger role - or at the very least, a solid contract this offseason.
Caleb Martin Finding His Groove
While his stat line on Saturday was more understated - three points, six rebounds, and five assists in 21 minutes - Caleb Martin’s recent play has been trending in the right direction.
The veteran wing has started the last two games in place of Cooper Flagg, who’s out with a sprained ankle. And though Martin was quiet against Utah, his previous two outings were his best stretch since joining the Mavs, averaging 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 3.0 steals while shooting a scorching 83.3% from two and 60% from deep.
After being slowed by a lingering hip injury earlier in the season, Martin says he’s finally starting to feel like himself again.
“Just thinking less. Feeling better,” Martin said.
“Just trying to get as much rhythm as I can. I’m one of the guys who tries to impact as much as I can as quick as I possibly can.
It’s not always going to be an offensive mindset first coming into the game, so just trying to let the game come to me.”
That kind of veteran mindset - knowing when to step up, when to facilitate, and when to let the game flow - is exactly what Dallas needs as they look to solidify their depth and build consistency heading into the second half of the season.
Final Takeaway
Saturday’s win wasn’t just about the final score - it was a showcase of how deep and versatile this Mavericks roster can be when it’s healthy and clicking. Christie’s return added balance, Thompson’s scoring continues to be a weapon, Williams is making the most of his opportunity, and Martin is rounding back into form. If this group can stay healthy and keep building chemistry, Dallas could be a real problem down the stretch.