Dallas Mavericks: Grading the entire team going into the All-Star break

Dallas Mavericks grade going into All-Star break: Jalen Brunson

Brunson is having a breakout third NBA season. The 24-year-old is averaging 12.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 24.9 per game. He connected on 53.1 percent from the field, 40.2 percent on his threes, and 85.3 percent from the free-throw line in the first half. His outstanding play has helped his minutes increase to 28.5 per over the last eight games.

First-half grade for Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson: A+

Brunson earned top marks for his breakout first half. Can he keep it up after the break? Fans will be watching closely. The one area JB still needs to improve is his defense. He competes hard but struggles in certain matchups.

Dallas Mavericks grade going into All-Star break: Maxi Kleber

Kleber’s counting stats may not jump off the screen, but he is having a bit of a breakout season too. He has connected on 45.1 percent of his 3-pointers in the first half. Kleber worked his way into the starting five, and he stuck for the last 16 games he played in, despite the 29-year-old missed 11 straight in the health and safety protocols in January.

First-half grade for Dallas Mavericks big man Maxi Kleber: B+

Kleber is playing a career-high in minutes, but the production is down. He had a slow bounce back after his extended absence. Expect the counting stats to improve in the second half.

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