Jones makes quick bounce-back against Bulls

CHICAGO – Two days ago, Kai Jones left the Dallas Mavericks’ game against the Orlando Magic with a left hip contusion after playing just seven minutes.

But 48 hours later at the United Center, Jones shook off that injury and proceeded to fill up the stat sheet as the Mavs eked out a hard-fought 120-119 victory over the Chicago Bulls. In explaining how he was able to bounce back and play Saturday after falling on his backside against the Magic, Jones said:

“I’ll be quite frank with you. I just did an Epsom salt bath the night I got into Chicago and did my stretch routine and everything felt better the next morning.

“I took one anti-inflammatory, got a good workout in (Saturday) morning and I felt ready to go and that was pretty much the reason I was able to play.”

And against the Bulls, Jones was all over the court. He finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, four steals, three assists and two blocks while converting 7-of-8 shots in 31 minutes.

On Thursday in Orlando, Jones went to the locker room after the unfortunate fall, and did not return. In describing the play in question, he said:

“So, I’m running up the floor and Naji (Marshall) throws the pass and I’m jumping up and I see Goga (Bitadze) running under me, so I’m like, ‘Let me put this in right quick,’ “ Jones said. “So, I throw the ball in and as I threw it in, my leg kind of kicks up.

“And after I dunked the ball, I’m like, ‘Hey yeah, I’m happy I get to dunk the ball.’ And I looked down and I could see the floor.”

And that’s where the dilemma came for Jones.

“I didn’t know how I was going to land,” he said. “I didn’t want to put my arm out too much because I didn’t want to hurt my wrist. So, I’m like, ‘Let me land on my butt, because that’s the most robust part of my body.’ So, I said, ‘Let me just take it on the body.’

“So, I just took it on the body. I tried to bounce back, but then it started kicking in, and that pain started pulsating. I was like, ‘Oh, shoot, I need to take a second. But I felt better this morning.”

The Mavs were better off because of it. Jones had one more blocked shot than the three the entire Bulls’ squad collected.

“He’s been great blocking shots,” coach Jason Kidd said. “He gives us the luxury of playing one-on-one with the guards and trying to take away the three and play the percentages of a small going against a (center).

“His versatility has been great. He’s done everything we’ve asked. Today he stayed on his feet. In Orlando he did not. It’s good that he can bounce back after that injury.”

Jones’ teammates are impressed with the way he’s able to sprint back-and-forth up the court. They also admire his athleticism.

“He’s got to be one of the best athletes in the NBA,” guard Klay Thompson said. “He had) four steals, two blocks, 15 efficient points. What a player, and we’re lucky to have him.

“He’s got a very bright future. I’m so proud of Kai. We’ve got that Bahamian connection, so I just want him to keep staying level-headed and working hard and he’s going to play as long as he wants.”

BRIEFLY: Mavs centers Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II were listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game. But it was an upgrade, since they were always considered out ever since they sustained their recent injury. “I think we’re always talking about having a heck of an experience,” coach Jason Kidd said. “The excitement of (when) we’re getting another body. But it’s a 10-15 minute restriction, trying to put them in that situation where they’re have a positive experience, and hopefully we can do that hopefully soon.” . . . A friendly wager led to guard Brandon Williams showing up at Saturday’s game wearing a Duke jersey. Williams played college basketball at Arizona. Mavs center Dereck Lively II played college basketball for Duke. The two players had a little wager on who would win Thursday’s NCAA tournament game between Duke and Arizona, and Duke wound up winning, 100-93.

X: @DwainPrice