3 encouraging takeaways from Dallas Mavericks loss to Bucks

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks loss to Bucks: 2. Wood gets more run

Fans have been clamoring for Christian Wood to get more minutes as he averaged just 25.1 per game coming into Sunday’s game in Milwaukee. The 6’10 big man scores 16.8 a night, and he was shooting 57.6 percent from the field coming into the contest. Their offense just looks different with C-Wood on the floor.

Wood played 32 minutes on Sunday night as he went for 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal. He was eight of 17 from the field, including two 3-pointers made. C-Wood had the highest plus-minus of the Mavericks regular rotation players against the Bucks, and he proved why he deserves more playing time moving forward.

The Mavs started the second half with Wood, Luka Doncic, and Spencer Dinwiddie all on the floor together, and it helped them cut into the Bucks' lead. Head coach Jason Kidd had used his three-best scorers for just 63 total minutes through the first 18 games, but they were on the floor together more on Sunday night, and the Mavericks need to use it more going forward.

Coach Kidd needs to alter the rotation to give Christian Wood more chances. He is the key to this team reaching its ceiling. They need him scoring, stretching the floor, and being Luka’s primary pick-and-roll partner. Wood is capable, but he needs that opportunity.