Max Christie is secretly shifting the Luka Doncic trade in Mavericks' favor

The Dallas Mavericks returned home for the first time since the earth-shattering Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade and picked up a 116-105 victory over the Houston Rockets. Davis put on a dominant display, tallying 26 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists while draining both of his 3-point attempts before leaving the game with an injury. Davis’s presence in the paint and ability to stretch the floor provided a glimpse of what he can bring to this retooled Mavericks squad.

Some other contributors in today’s win included Klay Thompson, who continued to be a steady force for the Mavericks, contributing 13 points against the Rockets while showcasing his versatility. His performance capped off an impressive stretch of play, as Thompson shot 43 percent from three in January while averaging 13 points per game. Naji Marshall continued his hot streak to start February, adding 16 points against the Rockets.

Over his last four games, Marshall has been on a tear, averaging 17 points per contest while showcasing his knack for attacking the rim and creating opportunities in transition. His recent surge has given the Mavericks a much-needed scoring punch off the bench, further solidifying his role as a key contributor in the rotation.

Max Christie’s growing impact will help shape the Mavericks' future

Max Christie has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young players on the Mavericks' roster, providing a much-needed spark since joining the team. The 21-year-old has shown he can contribute in a variety of ways, with his recent performances highlighting his scoring ability, versatility, and defensive presence. In his first few games with Dallas, Christie scored 15 points across two games and followed it up with a standout 23-point performance in their win over the Rockets.

What’s impressive about Christie is his ability to score at all three levels. Whether it's knocking down threes, attacking the rim, or pulling up with a mid-range jumper, he’s displayed a well-rounded offensive game for a player so early in his career.

Additionally, Christie has shown the ability to crash the boards and play tenacious defense, which adds a valuable dimension to the Mavericks’ rotation. He’s also proven to be clutch, knocking down a huge late-game 3-pointer in Saturday's victory. His all-around skill set is not only filling the gap left by the trade but also laying the foundation for a bright future in Dallas.

Davis left the game in the third quarter with a groin/quad issue but after the game, he assured it wasn’t serious. Davis said he didn’t expect the injury to be long-term, and it was more of a precautionary move to not return to the game.

As the Mavericks adjust to life without Doncic, Christie’s emergence has provided a glimmer of hope for the team’s future. His all-around game has helped solidify his place in Dallas’ rotation.

While the trade that brought him here was overshadowed by the monumental departure of Dončić, Christie is quietly shaping the narrative of the deal and proving that there’s more to the Mavericks’ future than just Davis. If he continues to develop at this rate, Max Christie could play a pivotal role in the team’s success for years to come. Stay tuned for more news on the Dallas Mavericks.