PHILADELPHIA – In JaVale McGee, the Dallas Mavericks just may have found that rim protector and rebounder they’ve been searching for seemingly this entire season.
After starting the first four games this season, and then — for the most part — getting relegated to the bench, McGee on Monday really sparkled during the Mavs’ 127-104 blowout victory over the Indiana Pacers.
In 13 minutes, McGee finished with 10 points on 4-of-5 shots, and also picked up a pair of blocked shots. In addition to re-directing shots because of his 7-foot frame and long wing span, McGee also had two dunks, including one that was so vicious that it brought his teammates scurrying off the bench and high-fiving each other in celebration.
“He was everywhere,” guard Luka Doncic said. “He was defending.
“Great energy to have him out there, and he helped us a lot.”
Coach Jason Kidd agreed, saying: “I thought JaVale gave us a spark and we’re going to need that come Wednesday.”
Kidd was referring to the Mavs’ matchup Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers, who feature one of the top players in the NBA in center Joel Embiid.
“They’ve got maybe the MVP in Embiid, but they’ve got a heckuva team,” Kidd said. “The last time we played them at home it was a good game.”
Although Embiid had 35 points and eight rebounds in 36 minutes during the March 2 game at American Airlines Center in a game McGee did not play in, the Mavs won that contest, 133-126. On Wednesday, the Mavs are hopeful McGee can somewhat slow down Embiid, who leads the NBA in scoring at 33.3 points per game.
“We will need him,” Kidd said, referring to McGee. “We’re going to need his energy, we’re going to need his ability to make it tough, and then also to be able to rebound the ball.”
Here are the takeaways from the 23-point win over the Pacers.
DONCIC PAVED THE WAY: Luka Doncic escaped having a one-game suspension, then poured in 25 points, grabbed seven rebounds and handed out six assists. Doncic was able to play because the NBA rescinded the 16th technical foul he received during Sunday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets.
HARDY GROWING UP: Jaden Hardy is steadily growing up before every Mavs’ fans eyes. The rookie from the G League Ignite scored 20 points Monday on 8-of-12 shots. And he converted 4-of-6 shots from beyond the three-point arc. In his last 10 games, Hardy is averaging 16.4 points and shooting 46 percent from the field and 50 percent from downtown.
Twitter: @DwainPrice
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