NBA Notes: Mavericks, Kyrie Irving, Wizards, AJ Dybantsa, Nets

Mavericks

Kyrie Irving had been working his way back into form. Friday looked a lot more like the version the Mavericks were waiting for.

Irving scored 16 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter and added nine assists as Dallas handed the Rockets their first loss, 116-111. As Austin Veazey of Mavs On SI writes⁠, Irving was getting to his pull-up jumper and finishing around the basket instead of relying so heavily on threes.

He scored or assisted on five of the Mavericks’ first six baskets in the fourth, helping turn an eight-point deficit into a lead. Much of that happened with Cooper Flagg resting.

The Mavericks improved to 4-2, but Veazey also pointed to their limited playmaking depth. Walter Clayton Jr. committed three turnovers in the final four minutes of the third quarter against Marcus Smart’s pressure. With Sergio De Larrea sidelined by a knee sprain, Dallas doesn’t have many alternatives when Irving sits.

Wizards

AJ Dybantsa has played two NBA games. The Wizards have already gotten a pretty good look at how he can help when their offense needs a little life.

The No. 1 pick scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds in Friday’s 95-79 win over the Hornets. More than the scoring, Henry Brown of Wizards On SI highlighted⁠ Dybantsa’s willingness to push the pace and get Washington easier baskets before the defense could settle.

His rebounding helped, too, after Charlotte had hurt Washington on the glass earlier in the week. Dybantsa is averaging 18 points since returning from the ankle injury that delayed his debut.

The outside shooting still needs work. Brown pointed to Tre Johnson, who played fewer than 13 minutes Friday.

Outside of a four-three performance against Toronto, Johnson has made just three of his other 16 attempts this season. Washington attempted 30 threes against Charlotte’s 57.

Nets

The Nets are still waiting for their first win. Moe Wagner, at least, is giving Jordi Fernandez something useful to work with.

Wagner scored 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting and collected eight rebounds in Friday’s 110-94 loss to the Pistons, which dropped Brooklyn to 0-5. Sameer Kumar of Nets On SI writes⁠ that Wagner’s scoring and ball movement have provided Fernandez more lineup flexibility.

Kumar suggested Wagner could eventually challenge Day’Ron Sharpe for the starting center job. That’s his assessment, rather than an announced change.

The Nets also need more from their leading scorers. Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. combined for 28 points on 8-of-22 shooting against Detroit. Kumar wants more purposeful cuts and movement from Porter, along with guards who attack the basket and create cleaner looks for teammates.