The Dallas Mavericks lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the first game they played with their trade deadline acquisitions, and one player stood out.
For the second game in a row and the third time this season, the Dallas Mavericks lost to the San Antonio Spurs, falling 138-125 to their in-state rivals.
Spurs' sophomore Stephon Castle had a career game, posting 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists. The Mavericks struggled to even keep the game close, and were led by 19 bench points from Klay Thompson.
Dallas' bench was the saving grace, as Thompson wasn't the only second-unit player to stand out. Brandon Williams scored 18 points, and in his Mavericks' debut, Marvin Bagley III scored 16 to go with 12 rebounds and four blocks.
Bagley III Serves As Silver Lining
Infamously, in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings passed on Luka Doncic, Trae Young, and Jaren Jackson Jr. to pick Bagley III. He never really found his footing in the NBA and has bounced between the Kings, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, and now the Mavericks.
While he is not a high-level starter, he has carved out a solid career for himself as a backup, and games like Saturday's are reminders of just how talented he can be. It was Dallas' trade deadline addition's first chance to suit up, although neither Tyus Jones nor AJ Johnson left much of an impression. Veteran Khris Middleton has yet to make his debut for the Mavericks.
"Now that I'm part of the team, it's definitely going to be fun to kind of get in and see how I can help the group and help my teammates, and I'm looking forward to it," he said before the game. "So, definitely an exciting time, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity."
Well, as the Mavericks tank away their season without any established NBA stars to put front and center, Bagley III should get plenty of chances to showcase his worth. He is in the last year of his deal, but with Daniel Gafford likely to be included in offseason trade speculation, there is reason to believe that Dallas will bring Bagley III back to play behind Dereck Lively II next season, once he returns from a foot injury.
Fans shouldn't expect regular double-doubles or defensive masterclasses from Bagley III, but as he plays for a spot in the rotation, expect him to give effort, which is especially refreshing considering who the Mavericks traded to get him...