3 encouraging takeaways from Dallas Mavericks win over Timberwolves

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks win over Timberwolves: 2. C-Wood sticks as starter

Fans have been clamoring for Christian Wood to start since the team traded for him. The 6’10 forward had to earn his role in Dallas. He has put up significant numbers in Houston, but the Mavericks were his first chance to contribute to a playoff team. Wood needed to learn the Mavs defensive scheme and find his place in their offense. Head coach Jason Kidd was hesitant to start the veteran, but Wednesday made it three straight starts and it appears that it will stick.

Dwight Powell returned after a two-game absence, but Wood stayed in the starting five. Maxi Kleber is out for the foreseeable future, so it appears that C-Wood will stick in the opening group. They need his offensive punch with Kleber, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Josh Green sidelined, but he struggled against the Timberwolves on Wednesday night.

Rudy Gobert missed Monday’s game, but he was back in the lineup on Wednesday night. That is a difficult matchup for C-Wood both on the glass and in the paint. Gobert is one of the best interior defenders and rebounders in the league. Wood still finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and two blocks in 27 minutes of action. He was five of 12 from the field but had a key block to help Dallas secure the win.

Christian Wood is starting for the Dallas Mavericks now, and fans should expect him to stay there, especially with Maxi Kleber out for an extended stretch. It gives their offense a boost, and stay tuned to see how C-Wood performs as a starter.