LOS ANGELES — A focus on defense turned around the Mavericks' fortunes in the second half of the regular season.
Dallas ranked 22nd in defensive rating before the trade deadline, but after acquiring Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington, the team entered the regular season finale with the fourth-best defense in the NBA. Most people will focus on the midseason trade, but veteran swingman Derrick Jones Jr. has also made a big impact at the Mavericks' defensive end.
Despite making significant plays at defensive end, Jones does not qualify for any of the league's All-Defensive NBA teams. A player must play at least his 20 minute games and his 62 games. Jones played in 48 such games. There were 10 other games that were played from 18 minutes to 19:58. He played in 76 games this season, far exceeding the minimum number of 65 games required for post-season awards.
Asked about the technicality of the minutes, Jones said: “It's crazy, but that's the reality.” “I'm not really stuck. Next year, I'll win even if I don't come second. [team] Then first. ”
Jones, who finished the season as the full-time starting small forward in Dallas, is often responsible for limiting opposing teams' top scorers on the perimeter. This season, he averaged a career-high 8.6 points and 3.3 rebounds, and had his career-high 3-point shooting percentage (34 percent). While his 0.7 steal and block mark per game may pale in comparison to most defenders, Jones prides himself on being a capable defender in a league full of offensive-minded players. have.
Jones played in 76 games this season, well above the 65-game minimum required for the postseason award. He also averaged a career-high 23.5 minutes per game. That's one of the main reasons it baffles him that he doesn't qualify for either All-Defensive team.
“That's why it's crazy to me,” Jones added. “I played over 70 games. It's crazy for me not to be eligible. It is what it is, but I'm sure I'll get it next year.”
Mavericks guard Dante Exum defended his teammates when asked Friday, but also reminded them that the Mavericks are eyeing a bigger prize.
“It's difficult for a player to miss the technical side,” Dante Exum said. “I've always said awards don't make a man. I think we know what we have and he knows what a good defender he is. I think the reward will be what he can do in the playoffs.”
Jones has playoff experience, so he will play a key role in Dallas' hopes of defeating the Clippers in Game 3 of the first round of the playoff series. He was a member of the Miami Heat team that reached the NBA Finals in the 2019-20 season that ended in the bubble. He was a backup player on that team, but became a mainstay in Kidd's starting lineup this season.
“He's been great all year,” Kidd said. “He took on the challenge of being named the best perimeter scorer. … He comes out and works at a high level. He's going to have his hands full in this series. [against the LA Clippers], because it's not just one. There are quite a few over there. … We need him to be himself and play the game at a high level. ”
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