In exactly 24 hours, the Dallas Mavericks face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Dallas advanced to the Western Conference Finals after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6, and the Mavs are currently on fire. The Mavs’ star pair of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving is performing admirably, but it was the play of Dallas’ supporting cast that stood out against the Thunder. P.J. Washington had a huge series, and Derrick Jones Jr., another star defender, was outstanding on both ends.
Jones Jr.’s determination to constantly protect the best player, as well as his selflessness on offense, have carried him far this season, and he had his greatest stretch as a Maverick during the Thunder series.
Jones Jr. averaged 12.8 points, 0.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game against the Thunder, shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 37 percent from deep. His greatest performance came in Game 6. Jones Jr. finished with 22 points and shot 4-6 from downtown; without him, the Mavs may not have won the series.
Jones Jr. remains important because to his lockdown defense and floor-spacing skills, and he is ready to take on the task of covering Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards in the Western Conference Finals. When questioned about protecting Edwards, Jones Jr. praised his athleticism and shooting ability before discussing how he can slow him down.
“I mean, I just gotta pick my spots and be aggressive,” Jones Jr. said of his showdown against Edwards. “Be physical, and try to keep him off his spots.” Jones Jr.’s defensive assignment in the second round was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and now he has to protect Edwards, who has been equally impressive in the playoffs. Jones Jr. is known for his fearlessness, and slowing down Edwards may make or break Dallas’ chances of reaching the NBA Finals.
Stay tuned for the latest on Derrick Jones Jr. and the Dallas Mavericks’ battle against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
