Mavericks news: Jaden Hardy scoring machine, Mavs predictable late in game, more

Dallas Mavericks rookie Jaden Hardy is a bucket. He was sent back down to the G League for their Dec. 9 game against the Memphis Hustle where he exploded for 39 points. The 20-year-old look unstoppable, and fans can see his highlight reel from that night here.

Hardy is the G League’s leading scorer at 30.0 points per game over his ten contests where he is shooting 55.4 percent from the field and 48.9 percent on his threes. His G League dominance earned him a call-up to play for the shorthanded Mavs in Chicago on Saturday night.

Dallas was dominated by the Bulls, but the rookie had 15 points on five of 13 shooting in 23 minutes of action. Hardy had one steal and one block as he continues to prove that he can get buckets in any game.

More Mavericks news

There was much talk after the Mavericks' loss to the Bucks on Friday night about the team’s late-game execution. They were crushed by poor free throw shooting and a late defensive lapse that gave Milwaukee the lead, but the Mavericks had the final shot.

Luka Doncic was forced to heave a shot from way beyond the arc because the Bucks knew the Mavericks' play. Head coach Jason Kidd has run it several times before, and Milwaukee stuffed it. There is plenty more in the article above about the team’s lack of imagination in their late-game play calls.

NBA news

John Wall’s return to Washington dominated the NBA headlines on Sunday morning. It was the first time the five-time All-Star was able to play in front of fans in the capital city since he was traded in 2020. He visited with the Rockets, but there were no fans at the game.

Wall started for the injured Reggie Jackson and finished with 13 points in the Clippers' win over the Wizards. Even let fans know whose city it was during the contest.

The Dallas Mavericks are back in action on Monday night as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder to begin a three-game homestand. Luka Doncic and company have four games this week, including a difficult Friday-Saturday back-to-back, so they need a win over the Thunder. Expect Doncic to shine, and do not miss it.