3 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' blowout Game 5 win over Clippers

1. Stud - Derrick Jones Jr.

In back-to-back games, Derrick Jones Jr. has been huge for the Dallas Mavericks and he finished with 12 points in Game 5. Jones Jr. got going early as he had a dunk in transition and an open three, and his impact on both ends has been something the Mavs have desperately needed.

Defensively, Jones Jr. has spent time guarding both Paul George and James Harden, and he has taken on both of these matchups with toughness and confidence. Jones Jr. shies away from no one on defense, and he showed no fear when asked about guarding any of the Clippers stars.

He takes the same mindset into every defense matchup he has, and he is always focused on the matchup in front of him. His demeanor and focus on that end are amazing, and he has embraced every challenge that Jason Kidd has thrown his way.

He is the definition of a great teammate, and the Mavs will need him to be elite in Game 6 to slow down Harden and George once again. Offensively, Jones Jr. continues to be a reliable shooter and has been a strong driver and finisher.

Jones Jr.'s finishing has been excellent in this series, and his dunks provide tons of momentum and energy for the Mavs, and he has been great ever since Kidd inserted him into the starting lineup in place of Josh Green.

For all the latest on Derrick Jones Jr. and the Dallas Mavericks throughout their 2024 NBA Playoff run, stay tuned.