Anderson, Mavericks Down Miami in Vegas

The Dallas Mavericks came into the Las Vegas Summer League with all of their more well-known names ready to suit up against Miami on Saturday night.

Headlined by Justin Anderson and second round pick A.J. Hammons, Dallas came into their first game on Saturday night against the Heat ready to show off some of their younger talent.

With all eyes on Justin Anderson, Anderson opened the game by draining his first three-point attempt in the corner. From his leadership on the court to his improved ball handling, he was the best all-around player on the court and it wasn’t even close.

He finished the game with 19 points and 6 rebounds.

A.J. Hammons started the game only to find himself exiting short into the first quarter. He played sparingly throughout the game as it seemed at times that the big fella was struggling  to keep pace with the faster front court players.

To Hammons’ defense, getting the ball to the big man was not a priority as he never received a post up play the whole game. With his girth on both ends of the court, Hammons can eventually make an impact off the bench for Dallas, but after this first summer league game, it looks like there is plenty of work to be done. He finished the game with four points and six rebounds.

Arguably the biggest surprise of the night was the Mavs starting point guard on the night, Jonathan Gibson from New Mexico State. Gibson came out firing on all cylinders while finishing the game with 30 points on 12-19 shooting including six three pointers.

On the other side of the ball, Miami was missing two of their best players from the Orlando Summer League as Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson are both sitting out in Las Vegas. Rodney McGruder led the way for the Heat with 18 points on 32 minutes of play.

See full box score here.

Next: Mavs Sign Dorian Finney-Smith

Dallas will continue their Vegas Summer League play against Toronto on Monday night.