Marvin Bagley III, the former No. 2 pick from the 2018 draft, has been on quite the journey across the league in recent years. But on Friday night, he reminded everyone of his potential with a standout performance for the Mavericks, leading them to a 100-93 victory over the Trail Blazers. Bagley dropped 26 points, marking his highest single-game total since the 2022/23 season.
Teammate P.J. Washington couldn't help but praise Bagley's dominant play.
“We were finding him, giving him the ball, and just letting him do his thing,” Washington shared. “He’s scoring at a high level in the paint and was a mismatch nightmare tonight.
When he’s in the pick-and-roll, it’s a huge advantage for us. He can make plays, pass, and score.”
Bagley, who was recently traded from the Wizards to Dallas, is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Shifting focus to another rising star, Cooper Flagg made his case for Rookie of the Year even stronger by scoring 24 points in the same game. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd emphasized the importance of Flagg’s candidacy.
“It’s a big priority for the organization, but it’s also about Cooper doing his part,” Kidd noted. “He’s having a historic rookie year.
When you compare his numbers to past winners, it’s clear he’s the frontrunner.”
Meanwhile, Grizzlies forward GG Jackson II expressed frustration over the preferential treatment he feels stars like Kevin Durant receive from referees. “It’s unbelievable how the refs can favor someone,” Jackson said. “Durant’s the GOAT, and I respect that, but we work just as hard.”
Durant, despite Jackson's comments, didn’t have an excessive number of free throws in the Rockets' 10-point win, going to the line seven times while scoring 25 points.
As for the Spurs, despite their lack of playoff experience, there's a buzz around the league about their championship potential. Insiders, including an Eastern Conference executive, believe San Antonio could surprise everyone.
“People underestimate their experience,” the executive said. “Harrison Barnes and Luke Kornet have rings.
De’Aaron Fox is clutch and playoff-tested. And Victor Wembanyama intimidated by the moment?
Not a chance.”