Dallas Mavericks: Who wins Defensive Player of Game belt most this season?

Dallas Mavericks Defensive Player of the Game candidate: 4. Willie Cauley-Stein

Cauley-Stein is in the early lead after winning on Wednesday night. His energy and effort jump off the screen. The seven-footer grabs rebounds, blocks shots, create turnovers and protects the rim. He has all the makings of a Defensive Player of the Game. Most impressively, Trill won his first award in 19 minutes of action.

Playing time will be the issue for Cauley-Stein. Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, Dwight Powell, and Josh Richardson are nearing their returns from the health and safety protocols. Trill averaged just 15.1 minutes per game during the first eight when those four were in the lineup. Kristaps Porzingis had not returned from his offseason knee surgery, either.

Cauley-Stein has earned more minutes, but how many? If he averages less than 20 per game, it will be difficult for him to consistently win the belt.

The Dallas Mavericks had a ton of success playing small against the Pacers on Jan. 20. Kristaps Porzingis is going to play 30-plus minutes every night, which limits Cauley-Stein further. Expect him to win the Defensive Player of the Game belt multiple times this season, but he will not lead the Mavs.

Next: No. 3