3 encouraging takeaways from Dallas Mavericks wild win over Jazz

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks win over Jazz: 2. Powell needs to play over McGee

Head coach Jason Kidd committed to starting JaVale McGee from the moment they signed him with the majority of their mid-level exception this summer, but the seven-footer has struggled in his limited sample with the Mavericks. He is still trying to fit into the defensive scheme, and McGee has struggled to rebound the ball.

It was another rough game from McGee, so Kidd went to Christian Wood earlier in the first quarter, which opened minutes for Dwight Powell. Powell was the team’s starting center for their entire playoff run to the conference finals last season, but he was outside the rotation to begin the season. That lasted just three games, and Powell showed why he needs to play on Wednesday night against the Jazz.

DP’s energy and effort were contagious as the team made a run whenever he was on the floor. The veteran finished with nine points, five rebounds, one steal, and one block in 19 minutes of action. He made four of his five field goals, and the Mavericks outscored Utah by 25 points when Powell was on the floor.

Coach Kidd needs to play Dwight Powell over JaVale McGee moving forward. Powell has earned those minutes with his play, and the Mavericks do not win on Wednesday night without the contributions from DP.