Mavericks: Jalen Brunson wins Defensive Player of Game belt vs. Pelicans

The Dallas Mavericks won three straight and four of their last five entering Friday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Luka Doncic has caught fire and is bringing the Mavs offense back to an elite level. There are still questions, but teams are not looking forward to facing Dallas.

Both teams put on a show on Feb. 12. The Mavericks dominated the second half to defeat the Pelicans inside the American Airlines Center. Luka Doncic had 46 points and made history versus New Orleans. Kristaps Porzingis chipped in 36 as the Mavs won 143-130 in an incredible game.

Coach Rick Carlisle faced a difficult decision with the Defensive Player of the Game belt on Friday, but Jalen Brunson earned the honors. Let us take a closer look at his performance and the team’s overall defense.

Jalen Brunson wins Dallas Mavericks Defensive Player of Game belt vs. Pelicans

Brunson is in the midst of breakout season, and he was again fantastic on Feb. 12. The backup point guard finished with 13 points, six rebounds, and seven assists in 22 minutes of action. He was four of five from the field and three of four on his free throws. JB crashed the glass hard and brought a ton of energy against the Pelicans.

The Mavericks struggled on defense. They gave up 130 points as both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram torched them. The Mavericks have won five of their last six games, but have allowed 116 or more points in every time out. They are winning with incredible offense, but the defense has been a problem. Can they sort it out? The Mavs will need to if they hope to make a deep playoff run.

Congratulations to Jalen Brunson for winning the Defensive Player of the Game belt for the first time. The Dallas Mavericks introduced it this season in hopes it would improve the unit. The best is still yet to come from the team, so stay tuned.