Jalen Brunson leads shorthanded Mavericks over Timberwolves

The Dallas Mavericks ruled out Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis before Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They also had four players in the health and safety protocols, including Tim Hardaway Jr., and two other players sidelined for the contest.

The Mavs have signed four players via hardship exceptions over the last four days to replace those out in the health and safety protocols, and Theo Pinson and Marquese Chriss were in the rotation against the Timberwolves. It was all hands on deck for Dallas because they were so shorthanded. 

Jalen Brunson led the Mavericks to a 114-102 win over the Timberwolves on Dec. 21. Minnesota also had five players out in the health and safety protocols, but it was still an impressive victory for Dallas without their top three scorers. 

Jalen Brunson leads shorthanded Dallas Mavericks over Timberwolves

Brunson wasted no time getting things going on Tuesday night as he scored nine points in the first quarter. The Mavs had 34 in the first 12 minutes in an impressive performance with so many players out. See a JB highlight with Dirk Nowitzki on the call.

Brunson had his game locked in on Dec. 21 as he finished with 28 points, six assists, three steals, and one block in 40 minutes of action. He was ten of 18 from the field as the Mavericks outscored the Wolves by nine with JB on the floor.

The Mavs got key contributions from their two newcomers on Tuesday night. Theo Pinson had seven points, four rebounds, three assists, and four steals in 22 minutes in his Mavericks debut. Marquese Chriss played during crunch time as he finished with six points, eight rebounds, and one block in the win.

It was a special night with Dirk on the broadcast. Nowitzki was funny and insightful, and the team should have him on every night after his outstanding performance. It was fantastic to hear from Nowitzki, and supporters should be excited about his jersey retirement on Jan. 5.

It was an impressive win for the Dallas Mavericks without their top three scorers. Head coach Jason Kidd said the team is hoping Luka Doncic will return on Thursday against the Bucks. Fans will not want to miss that contest, so please tune in and enjoy.