Mavericks: Jalen Brunson shines as Dallas tops Bucks in preseason finale

The Dallas Mavericks were without Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Tim Hardaway Jr. on Friday night as they wrapped up their preseason slate in Milwaukee against the Bucks, but it did not matter. Dallas came out with energy and had their 3-point shooting locked in to race out to a 20-point lead in the second quarter, and they never looked back in picking up the 114-103 win.

The Bucks rested Khris Middleton but had Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez in the lineup making the performance even more impressive from the Mavs. Dallas won all four games this preseason and look ready for their regular-season opener against the Hawks on Oct. 21.

Dallas resting their three top scorers created an opportunity for other players to step up, and they did not disappoint. New head coach Jason Kidd wants the Mavs moving the ball and everyone on the roster being a “basketball player”. He made the roles less rigid, and the team is responding. Here is a look at how Jalen Brunson and the rest of the roster stepped up to top the defending champions.

Jalen Brunson shines as the Dallas Mavericks top Bucks in preseason finale

Brunson took over as the starting point guard with Luka resting, and he went to work. The 25-year-old kept getting in the paint and creating buckets. See Brunson going to work below.

JB finished with 17 points, six rebounds, five assists, and one steal on eight of 11 shooting from the field in 24 minutes of action. He looks locked in and ready to lead the team’s second unit this season. Do not be surprised to see Brunson take another step forward and be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year.

Jalen Brunson was not the only Maverick who stood out on Friday night. Dwight Powell had 12 points and two 3-pointers made in 11 minutes of action. Sterling Brown got the start and finished with 11 points, five rebounds, and four dimes in 20 minutes. Trey Burke may have earned his roster spot with 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists in Milwaukee.

The Dallas Mavericks continued their impressive performance this preseason and closed things out with four victories in four tries. They are ready for the regular season and look to be in store for a special season under head coach Jason Kidd, so keep it locked to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.