Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd compared his team’s offense to a “quarterback system” after a strong scoring performance without Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. The team shot 52.3% from the field and 47.4% from three in a 118-97 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Without their two star players, the Mavericks struggled to find rhythm, averaging only 105.9 points per 100 possessions post-Christmas. However, with Naji Marshall starting in place of Irving and Spencer Dinwiddie playing alongside Dončić, the team managed to put pressure on the defense and get good shots.
Quentin Grimes was a key contributor, scoring 23 points and grabbing nine rebounds while dishing out six assists. The young guard’s ability to shoot from both the catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble spots made him a valuable asset in the absence of Dončić and Irving.
Grimes’ performance was impressive, especially considering he has been relying on Luka and Kyrie to set him up for easy shots. However, he showed that he can produce even when they aren’t around. The 24-year-old guard is capable of creating his own shot and making plays for himself and his teammates.
The win marked a turning point for the Mavericks, who climbed back into fifth place in the Western Conference. With Dončić potentially out for several weeks and Irving missing at least a week with a bulging disc in his back, Grimes will have more opportunities to step up and be an offensive creator.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6046295/2025/01/08/mavericks-lakers-quentin-grimes-luka-kyrie