Josh Green proves why he should start as Mavericks defeat Jazz without Luka Doncic

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Utah Jazz 124-111 behind Josh Green, who dropped a career-high 29 points. The 22-year-old was in the starting lineup for just the fourth time this season, and the Mavs desperately needed him to step up. Green is having a breakout third NBA season, but he has never played the role he did on Feb. 6.

The Mavs were 0-7 without Luka Doncic this season coming into Monday’s game, and the Mavs were extremely shorthanded after the Kyrie Irving trade. Irving and Markieff Morris have not yet joined the team, which left Dallas with just McKinley Wright IV to play point guard on Feb. 6. The Mavericks need ball-handlers and playmakers, and Josh Green took over that role in Salt Lake City.

Green brought the ball up the floor, made plays for himself and others, and was arguably the best player on the court on Monday night. It was an impressive performance that further proved that the 6’5 wing should start when the Mavericks are fully healthy.

Josh Green proves why he should start as Mavericks defeat Jazz without Luka Doncic

The Mavs did not want to give up Green in the Kyrie trade because he offers something no other player on the roster does. He has potential as a 3-and-D wing that can also handle the ball and make plays. Every contending team needs a player like that, and Green just keeps improving. His confidence, jumper, and ball handling have taken massive leaps this season.

Dallas needs defense and shot-making on the floor next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving when the Mavericks are healthy. Green provides that with energy and some playmaking chops. He proved that in Salt Lake City with the best game of his career when the Mavs needed him most.

Green finished with 29 points, six rebounds, and two assists in 37 minutes of action on Monday night. He made ten of his 17 field goals, including three 3-pointers, and the 6’5 wing went six of six from the foul line as Dallas outscored the Jazz by 39 points with Green on the floor. There was also a monster dunk to punctuate the performance.

It was not just Green who stepped up for the shorthanded Mavericks on Feb. 6. Rookie Jaden Hardy scored 29 points off the bench as Tim Hardaway Jr. and Reggie Bullock each nailed three 3-pointers to help Dallas secure the win. Dwight Powell had 16 rebounds as the Mavs won the rebounding battle over the Jazz, and Christian Wood returned with six points, nine rebounds, and four assists in 19 minutes off the bench. It was a total team effort on Monday night in an impressive win.

Head coach Jason Kidd played every player that was available on Monday night. Both two-way players saw minutes, including McKinley Wright IV starting, and Chris Silva got into the game, despite being on a ten-day contract. 12 players saw action on Feb. 6, and the team competed incredibly hard, despite being undermanned.

The Dallas Mavericks continue their five-game road trip in Los Angeles against the Clippers on Wednesday night. Kyrie Irving is expected to make his Mavericks debut in what will be a cannot miss contest, so be sure to tune in and enjoy the show.