Setting aside all the negativity around the Dallas Mavericks, there is reason to be a little excited.
It’s almost like there are two Dallas Mavericks. The disliked version is the ownership group and front office, after Nico Harrison pushed to trade Luka Doncic.
And then there are the players, who have been fighting their best on the court to swat aside the ‘Fire Nico’ chants, distractions, and attempt to salvage their season.
The players have done remarkably well, considering a serious slate of injuries headlined by Kyrie Irving’s ACL tear.
Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford have all returned from injury problems and all impressed as the Mavs won their first Play-In Tournament game, defeating the Sacramento Kings 120-106.
And while the big trio were impressive, another notable performance came from Brandon Williams.
Brandon Williams scored 17 points in 18 minutes and also added 5 assists, providing a real spark for the Mavericks when he was needed.
Williams was an undrafted prospect in 2021 and has spent his career on the G League affiliates of the Trail Blazers and Magic, before landing a two-way deal with the Mavericks last summer.
After signing a standard contract with the Mavericks, Williams is a fully fledged member of the team, and is one game away from getting the chance to perform in a playoff series.
His performance caused a real stir on social media, with ESPN’s Bobby Marks was impressed, and referred to his bargain short-term contract, writing: “Brandon Williams might be the best $47K a team has spent at the end of the regular season.”
Brandon Williams might be the best $47K a team has spent at the end of the regular season.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) April 17, 2025
Williams recently revealed he has been speaking to Kyrie Irving for advice, with the injured Mavs superstar acting as a mentor for the rising prospect.
Whatever happens in the final Play-In showdown with the Memphis Grizzlies, Williams has done enough to show he should be in the NBA next season.
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