After a long-awaited wait, the Dallas Mavericks finally faced off against Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers. While the game may not have gone Dallas' way in the end, the Mavericks front office was reminded why trading Doncic was a terrible decision.
Doncic not only scored his first triple-double in purple and gold, but ironically, it was against his former team. In addition to Doncic's triple-double, the crowd was in awe on multiple occasions after the superstar made some ridiculous passes that extended the Lakers' lead.
While Tuesday night was emotional for many reasons, Dallas was again reminded of how important Kyrie Irving's play will be for the remainder of his tenure as a Maverick. Irving was one of the few Mavericks who brought a spark throughout the game with his play on both ends of the floor. Irving finished with 35 points in one of his best performances this season despite the loss.
While all the spotlight was on Doncic in his first game against his former team, Max Christie was also playing against the team that drafted him just three years prior. Christie may not have had an all-out performance against his former team, but his addition to the starting lineup could prove to be a long-term move no fan realized at the time.
Kidd's insertion of Christie as a starter could become a common sight
Since joining the Mavericks, Christie has surprised fans with his impressive play on both ends of the floor. As a Mav, Christie is averaging 14.7 points per game on 44.2 percent shooting from behind the arc in nine games.
While Christie has been an impressive offensive addition with his elite shot-making ability from behind the arc and dribble-drive game, his most impressive attribute has come on the defensive end. When trading for Christie in the deal that would send Doncic to LA, Dallas knew they were getting a developing two-guard with defensive upside.
Christie hasn't just become one of Dallas' shining stars, but quite arguably a top guard defender in the current rotation. The Mavericks have often blossomed with two defensive stoppers on the wing in the starting lineup and Christie's addition could remind fans of Derrick Jones Jr's impact on the defensive end last season.
Christie may not be as springy or athletic as Jones Jr. ever was but his pairing alongside P.J. Washington in the starting lineup will prove to be a nightmare for any opposing team. On Tuesday night, Christie didn't have his most inspiring performance, but his insertion in the starting lineup reminded fans of what Dallas' defensive upside could be even with the current injuries the team is facing.
There's no proof Christie will be a long-term starter for the Mavs this season, but his youth makes him a prime candidate to become one of the Mavericks' definite starters for years to come. Christie will need to continue and develop on the offensive end, but through nine games in Dallas, he has real potential to be a future star in the league.
