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

Dallas Mavericks Defensive Player of the Game candidate: 3. Josh Richardson

Richardson played massive minutes in every game that was not a blowout to start the season. He is averaging 32.5 per game through his eight played. Minutes mean opportunity. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle has been using him to defend the opposition’s primary ball-handler too. JRich had two steals in two of his first eight games this season.

The 6’5 wing has not played since Jan. 7. He was forced to quarantine in Denver but has since returned to Dallas. Richardson is working on getting his conditioning back and should be ready to return in short order. The Mavericks will ease him back into action but expect massive minutes when he is back at full strength.

Richardson had at least three steals in a game five times during the 2018-2019 season with Miami. He also had three blocks in a contest twice. JRich can create havoc on the defensive end of the floor. His opportunity guarding the top ball-handler makes him one of the favorites to win the belt in any game.

Expect Josh Richardson to win the Defensive Player of the Game five or more times this season. He won’t lead the team, but JRich is one of the keys to improving the Dallas Mavericks defense significantly.

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