Memorable Mavericks Moments of 2014-15: #6

The Dallas Mavericks had an up-and-down season, starting the year off on a fervid pace offensively, making a semi-blockbuster trade to acquire Rajon Rondo, struggling to incorporate him, and eventually falling in the first round of the NBA Playoffs to the Houston Rockets in five games.

Overall it’s fair to say the season was a disappointment. Dallas made moves to compete but it just didn’t happen.

But there was still a lot to like. We at The Smoking Cuban are counting down the 10 most memorable Maverick moments. Here’s #6 on the list.

6th Most Memorable Mavericks Moment of 2014-15

Al-Farouq Aminu Has Coming Out Party Against Houston

Al-Farouq Aminu has Mavericks fans clamoring for his return, but for a while had a hard time getting consistent minutes for Rick Carlisle during the first part of the regular season.

Of the 14 games in which Aminu played fewer than 10 minutes, 13 of them came prior to the All-Star break. He averaged 16 minutes per game in his 49 games before the week off, losing minutes to guys like Jae Crowder (before he was traded away to Boston) and Richard Jefferson.

But that all changed when the Mavericks reported back for duty, and the increase in minutes really started with Aminu’s coming out party against the Houston Rockets in Dallas’ second contest following the festivities in New York.

In nearly 30 minutes of action Aminu accumulated 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 impressive blocks of James Harden and Josh Smith in Dallas’ 111-100 victory. Here are the highlights:

From that point on Aminu averaged almost 24 minutes a game and his production jumped in nearly every category. In the opening round of the playoffs Aminu was counted on even more, averaging 30 minutes and shooting nearly 55% from the floor.

It remains to be seen whether or not Dallas can afford to keep the 24-year old former lottery pick. But the team needs youth, energy, defense, and versatility. And as Aminu proved in our 6th most memorable Maverick moment of the year they can get all of it from him.

Next: Memorable Mavericks Moments of 2014-15: #5

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