Dallas Mavericks: 5 takeaways from the season opening loss to Suns

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks season opener vs. Suns: 3. JRich has massive impact

The Mavs got off to a slow start on Wednesday. Phoenix scored the first seven points before Josh Richardson leaked out following a Suns miss for an easy deuce. See the play below.

JRich did not have his best game against the Suns, but he still made a massive impact. He finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 36 minutes of action. The 6’5 wing matched up on Chris Paul and Devin Booker throughout the game. Book finished with 22 points, but he struggled in the fourth quarter. Richardson’s ability to guard those elite players is something Dallas lacked last season.

Richardson is going to make a massive offensive impact too. He was five of 11 from the field against the Suns, but his attempts could rise. JRich will be an important floor spacer and secondary creator for the Mavericks this season. Expect more corner threes than ever before from the 27-year-old.

Fans can read more about Richardson’s fit on the Mavs next to Luka Doncic here. He is going to make a massive impact on both ends of the floor every night. Fans saw proof against the Suns in the opener.

Next: No. 2