Dallas Mavericks: Maxi Kleber sets new career-high in win over Magic

Dallas Mavericks big man Maxi Kleber scored 26 points in a victory over the Orlando Magic on Feb. 21. Find out more about his incredible performance.

The Dallas Mavericks are looking to make up ground in the standings down the stretch. They are fresh off the All-Star break and have a favorable slate of four straight games against below .500 teams to open it up.

It started with Friday’s game against the Orlando Magic. The Mavs traveled to Florida and jumped out to an early lead. They never looked back in picking up the 122-106 victory on Feb. 21. Luka Doncic led the way for Dallas with 33 points and narrowly missed another triple-double.

The Mavericks had an unsung star against the Magic. Maxi Kleber scored 26 points in 23 minutes off the bench. He was ten of 13 from the field including three 3-pointers made on Friday evening. It was an incredible performance coming out of the All-Star break from the 28-year-old. He set a new career-high in scoring.

Kleber also produced the highlight of the night on Feb. 21. He took off and threw down a monster two-hand jam. Fans can see it again below.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1231036240507678720

The Mavs only had four players in double-figures against the Magic. Kleber accounted for 26 of the 38 bench points Dallas scored. He was a key cog in the victory to open the post All-Star break period.

Here is a look at Maxi’s full highlights from Friday night.

Looking ahead

The Dallas Mavericks are embracing small ball. They started Kristaps Porzingis at center in Orlando. Maxi Kleber was the only other big man that played in the contest. Coach Rick Carlisle wants to put shooters and floor spacers around Luka Doncic. That allows the Mavs offense to be wide open and creates attacking lanes for the 20-year-old star.

It likely means a more defined role for Maxi Kleber down the stretch. He will play 20 to 25 minutes primarily at the five. Kleber will still be asked to space the floor but will be the primary roll man too. Expect him to thrive down the stretch.

The Dallas Mavericks have 26 games remaining in the regular season. Expect a fun and wild close as they attempt to vault up the standings. Stay tuned.