The Association: Dallas Mavericks

[vtcha]

Mavericks hand Grizzlies their sixth straight loss, remain win-less

January 24, 2023 | by NBA News

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Things continue to go from bad to worse for Memphis as they fail to get their first win of the season. As they entered the game with a 0-5 record, as well as missing Mike Conley and Marc Gasol due to injury, Dallas took full advantage late in the fourth, making a 34-17 run.

Paul George did the heavy lifting with 33 points while DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall both racked up a double-double to secure the win for the Mavs. It was a nice bounce back game for George, who struggled against the Nuggets last week, shooting just 5/15 from the field.

The Mavs will now have their sights firmly set on the Warriors as the two will face off in a rematch of last year's Western Conference Semifinals.

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[trekfan]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

All caught up, really like the PG13 deal -- guy's a great player, wish he could have gotten the Pacers there, but Dallas is a good landing spot with him considering your talent. Definitely a top-heavy team, but with how short the season is and how every game matters, you guys have a really good shot.

Just get to get past Golden State, which is always the case, isn't it? Sad to see the Grizzlies fading away, though, I do wish Marc Gasol had found a way to get a title to that town.

[vtcha]

Mavericks come from behind to avenge Playoff exit

February 6, 2023 | by NBA News

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Trailing by as much as 19 points, the Mavericks clawed their way back in the second half, outscoring the Warriors 68-48. It was the bench, particularly the return of Chandler Parsons, that sparked the run, contributing a combined total of 33 bench points.

DeMarcus Cousins led the team in scoring with 30 points, while Paul George hauled down 12 boards to go with 23 points. John Wall was up to his usual tricks as well, dropping 18 points and 15 assists.

As for the Warriors, Klay Thompson started the game off, scoring 22 points in the first half, but was limited in the second after spraining his thumb. He briefly exited the game to get it checked in the locker room but would soon return thereafter.

With this loss, the Warriors have now dropped below .500 with a record of 3-4 and are now sitting outside of the Playoff picture - the first time in over a decade.

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Mavericks crush DLo-less Lakers, 109-91

February 13, 2023 | by NBA News

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The Lakers were already short-handed with D'Angelo Russell missing the game due to a knee injury, but things went from bad to worse as the Mavericks cruised to an early first quarter lead, outscoring the Lakers by 11 points.

From there on, the game was all but over. Dallas came out of the second half much like the first, with a dominating 28-11 third quarter beat down.

DeMarcus Cousins led the Mavs with 27 points and 14 rebounds while Paul George chipped in 22 points and John Wall with 14 points and 15 assists.

The Mavericks now head into the All-Star break sitting on top of the Western Conference standings with a 8-1 record. The win also marked Rick Carlisle third time coaching in the All-Star Game. After the match, Carlisle spoke to reporters about the honor. "It's truly a blessing to take part in such a fun event. It's always nice to take a breather and soak in the season so far before going back out into battle once the break is over."

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2023 NBA All-Stars Announced

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Stephen Curry and LeBron James will headline the NBA All Star Game, hosted in Milwaukee on February 19, 2023. Both players were the highest vote-getters for their respective conference as per the fans, players, and media panel.

Averaging a career best 9.9 APG so far, Curry is filling up the stat sheets with averages of 31.9 PPG and 2.5 SPG. He currently has his Warriors fighting for a playoff spot, with a 4-4 record (8th in the West).

Joining Curry in the back-court will be Damian Lillard who is having a bounce back season, leading the Trail Blazers to a 6-3 record with averages of 26.2 PPG and 8.8 APG.

The West starting forwards will be Kevin Durant, Karl-Anthony Towns, and DeMarcus Cousins. Durant continues to put up steady numbers with 23.8 PPG, 7.6 APG while shooting 50% from the field. Meanwhile, Towns earns his 6th All-Star selection posting up 23.1 PPG, 12.5 RPG and 2.4 BPG. MVP contender, DeMarcus Cousins enters his 8th All-Star appearance with 28.3 PPG and 11 RPG. He currently has his Mavs leading the top of the West with a 8-1 record.

Rounding out the West reserves will be Matthew Holland, Michael Porter Jr., Dejounte Miller, Harry Giles, DeAndre Ayton, John Wall, and Russell Westbrook.

As for the East, at the age of 38 years, James will enter his 19th consecutive All-Star appearance, posting averages of 20.6 PPG, 9.7 RPG and 8.2 APG. Similarly to Curry however, it hasn't translated into much team success with the Cavs also fighting for a playoff spot as they currently sit 8th in the East with a 4-4 record. Joining him in the front court will be both Philly stars, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. The 76ers are currently 3rd with a 6-2 record, and it's largely thanks to those two with Simmons averaging 18.6 PPG and 10.1 RPG and Embiid posting 24.2 PPG and 11.1 RPG. Unfortunately for Embiid, he'll be sidelined due to a sprained left toe.

For the East back-court, Kyrie Irving will be starting, with averages of 30.0 PPG, 6.9 APG and 2.1 SPG. Hometown favorite, Giannis Antetokounmpo will also join him, making his 6th All-Star appearance after averaging 19.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG and 5.3 APG.

Rounding out the East reserves will be Kemba Walker, Jimmy Butler, Josh Jackson, Isaiah Thomas, Dennis Smith Jr., and first-timers, Myles Turner, Raymar Benjamin and Lawrence Howard, with the latter replacing Embiid in the lineup.

Stars

Starters: Tyshawn Atkins (DET), Matthew Holland (OKC), Jarell Benson (CHA), Devon Sharpe (LAL), Moses Wiliiams (OKC)
Reserves: Jahlil Summers (ORL), J.T. Woods (NYK), Ellis Flowers (LAC), Clifton Everett (GSW), Armando Perez (PHX)

Elites

Starters: Ja'Kel Smart (TOR), Russell Warner (BOS), Bronx Johnson (DAL), Milos Dabanovic (ATL), Randall Person (BOS)
Reserves: Malik Jackson (NOP), Jay Daniel (ORL), Calbert Lyons (NOP), Ernest D'Angelo (PG), Clint Erickson (NOP)

Participants
Stephen Curry (GSW)
Dejounte Miller (LAC)
Damian Lillard (POR)
C.J. McCollum (MIN)
Alex Abrines (MIA)
Bradley Beal (UTA)



Participants
Ja'Kel Smart (TOR)
Bronx Johnson (DAL)
Alan Carter (BKN)
Devon Sharpe (LAL)

[vtcha]

2023 NBA All-Star Weekend Recap

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The West All-Stars have defeated the East All-Stars, 118-96, in a lobsided victory. Karl-Anthony Towns was voted the All-Star MVP after his dominating performance, racking up 15 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks.

LeBron James was the leading scorer for the East All-Stars as he posted 18 points. But the West were simply too hot to handle, shooting 56% from the field.

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The Rising Stars Challenge saw the Stars defeat the Elites, 100-87. Reigning Rookie of the Year, Matthew Holland took the MVP honors, finishing with 22 points and 6 assists. For the Elites, Russell Warner was their leading scorer, 18 points.

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Winner: Damian Lillard (POR)

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Winner: Ja'Kel Smart (TOR)

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Dallas breezes past Houston in wire-to-wire win

February 23, 2023 | by NBA News

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The Mavericks started this game with a 10-0 run, containing the Rockets for the first 5 minutes until they finally scored their first points of the game, with Thon Maker getting the second chance bucket.

DeMarcus Cousins was simply unstoppable, dropping 20 points in the first half. He finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while John Wall contributed with 23 points and 8 assists.

But the biggest story here was none other than James Harden, who arguably played the worst game of his career. Harden went scoreless for the entire game, shooting just 0-6 attempts and 2 turnovers. To elaborate just how bad it was, he even hesitated on shots that he would normally take, and instead, opted to dish to another teammate.

In the post-game interview, Mavs coach Rick Carlisle praised his teams effort on limiting Harden's output tonight. "We knew he was the head of the snake and we wanted to do everything possible to limit that and I think part of it got to him mentally. It probably worked even better than I expected but I'm proud of what those guys were able to achieve tonight."

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Timberwolves edge past Mavericks, 110-105

March 9, 2023 | by NBA News

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In a match-up between the two top teams in the West, it was Minnesota that had the last laugh, backed by a 31-24 performance in the fourth quarter to come back and take the win.

Harry Giles dominated the glass with 17 rebounds and scoring 20 points on 9/14 shooting while Andrew Wiggins led the team with 29 points, and Towns supplied 18 points and 16 rebounds.

As for the Mavs, DeMarcus Cousins was huge with 33 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks however his co-stars struggled to find their shot, with Wall and George combining for 39 points on just 13/36 shooting.

Tonight's win now catapults the Timberwolves into first place in the West with the Mavericks dropping to the number two seed.

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Clippers stun Mavericks at home, win 108-101

March 16, 2023 | by NBA News

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It was a vintage performance by Chris Paul who turned back the clock, scoring a season-high 32 points and knocking 7 treys from downtown. Paul, 37, whom recently announced his retirement at the seasons' end also dished out 10 assists as he helped the Clippers move one step closer to a playoff birth.

Meanwhile for the Mavs, Paul George continued to struggle from range, scoring 19 points but just 2/12 from deep. After the game, George addressed the media citing frustration with himself. "Man, I've been playing like trash lately. I mean, 2/12, that's totally unacceptable. I feel like I've been letting the team down. John's been setting me up with wide open looks time after time and I need to knock those shots down, plain and simple."

Tonight's defeat to the Clippers marks the first time Dallas has lost consecutive games and it couldn't have come at a much worse time with Playoff seeding and home court advantage now crucially at stake.

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[lazershow]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

I don't how I missed you getting Aldridge. You've done a great job turning this team into a contender.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Operation Sports mobile app

[Cruzerr]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

After the game, George addressed the media citing frustration with himself. "Man, I've been playing like trash lately.

Haha, don't be too hard on yourself, George!

Your team looks real strong, but that is a monster game from Chris Paul.

[vtcha]

George's career night helps Mavericks snap losing streak

April 6, 2023 | by NBA News

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After a couple of underwhelming performances from PG13, it was inevitable that he would eventually bounce back, and boy did he. In fact, George scored the Mavericks' first 28 points, with the first bucket scored by someone other than George not coming until the final 48 seconds of the first quarter. George dropped a career-high 50 points along with 15 rebounds to help Dallas beat Utah, 124-117.

Leading by as much as 23 points, the Mavs almost blew it all away when Rick Carlisle elected to empty his bench at the start of the fourth quarter. The Jazz slowly clawed their way back, thanks to some late hot shooting from Markelle Fultz and Bradley Beal, whom combined for 51 points in the game. Fortunately for Dallas, Carlisle had seen enough as he pulled his starters back in to gut out the win.

The game also marked the first time former Wizards teammates, John Wall and Bradley Beal, faced against each other after the trade that brought Wall to Dallas back in 2017.

With just one game left in the season, the Mavericks will host the Trail Blazers next week, with the number one seed potentially up for grabs.

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Dallas closes out regular season with a thrilling win over Portland

April 10, 2023 | by NBA News

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It came right down to the last shot with the Mavericks escaping a 115-114 win over the Trail Blazers. Down by 1, it was Serge Ibaka's tip-in that ultimately proved to be the game winner as Portland had a chance to steal it, but unfortunately, Zach LaVine's shot fell short.

The game was at a pinnacle point late in the fourth where Damian Lillard was controversially called for his 6th foul in which replays suggest there was minimal contact with John Wall. He finished with a game-high 30 points, knocking down 6 treys. Meanwhile, Marquese Chriss was a beast on the glass, crashing for 19 rebounds along with 18 points.

For the Mavs, it was John Wall that was the catalyst, racking up 18 points, 13 assists and 4 steals while DeMarcus Cousins and Paul George combined for 45 points.

The win now secures the Mavericks with the number one seed as they head into the postseason with home court advantage right throughout the Western Conference Playoffs.

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2022-23 End of Season Report

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Division Standings

SOUTHWEST	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
Dallas Mavericks	11	3	0.0	3-1	11-3
New Orleans Pelicans	10	4	1.0	4-0	10-4
Houston Rockets	6	8	5.0	2-2	6-8
Memphis Grizzlies	4	10	7.0	1-3	4-10
San Antonio Spurs	2	12	9.0	0-4	2-12

Conference Standings

WESTERN CONFERENCE	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
1. Dallas Mavericks	11	3	-	3-1	11-3
2. New Orleans Pelicans	10	4	1.0	4-0	10-4
3. Portland Trail Blazers	9	5	2.0	3-1	9-5
4. Minnesota Timberwolves	9	5	2.0	2-2	9-5
5. Golden State Warriors	9	5	2.0	3-1	9-5
6. Utah Jazz	8	6	3.0	2-2	8-6
7. Los Angeles Lakers	8	6	3.0	3-1	8-6
8. Los Angeles Clippers	8	6	3.0	1-3	8-6
9. Sacramento Kings	6	8	5.0	2-2	6-8
10. Phoenix Suns	6	8	5.0	1-3	6-8
11. Houston Rockets	6	8	5.0	2-2	6-8
12. Oklahoma City Thunder	5	9	6.0	3-1	5-9
13. Memphis Grizzlies	4	10	7.0	1-3	4-10
14. Denver Nuggets	4	10	7.0	0-4	4-10
15. San Antonio Spurs	2	12	9.0	0-4	2-12

EASTERN CONFERENCE	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
1. Washington Wizards	11	3	-	3-1	11-3
2. Indiana Pacers	9	5	2.0	3-1	9-5
3. Orlando Magic	9	5	2.0	1-3	9-5
4. Charlotte Hornets	8	6	3.0	4-0	8-6
5. Philadelphia 76ers	8	6	3.0	3-1	8-6
6. Chicago Bulls	8	6	3.0	2-2	8-6
7. Cleveland Cavaliers	8	6	3.0	3-1	8-6
8. Atlanta Hawks	8	6	3.0	1-3	8-6
9. Miami Heat	7	7	4.0	1-3	7-7
10. Milwaukee Bucks	7	7	4.0	2-2	7-7
11. New York Knicks	6	8	5.0	3-1	6-8
12. Detroit Pistons	5	9	6.0	0-4	5-9
13. Boston Celtics	5	9	6.0	3-1	5-9
14. Toronto Raptors	4	10	7.0	1-3	4-10
15. Brooklyn Nets	2	12	9.0	0-4	2-12

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Team Statistics

FGM

FGA

FG%

3PM

3PA

3P%

FTM

FTA

FT%

OREB

DREB

REB

AST

TO

STL

BLK

PF

PTS

+/-

38.8

78.7

49.3

9.6

25.9

37.0

23.3

30.8

75.6

12.0

37.6

49.6

26.1

12.9

10.1

7.0

12.9

110.4

7.1

15th

29th

2nd

5th

6th

4th

1st

1st

28th

18th

6th

14th

16th

25th

1st

24th

30th

3rd

5th

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Player Statistics

Dallas Mavericks
Player	GP	MIN	FG%	FT%	3PM	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
DeMarcus Cousins	14	33.9	59.8	69.9	1.1	11.4	1.7	1.1	1.9	27.6
Paul George	14	33.3	42.9	87.3	2.8	6.4	1.8	1.1	0.1	23.6
John Wall	14	32.9	51.8	70.9	0.6	3.1	12.2	2.9	0.4	20.1
Bronx Johnson	14	20.3	50.6	69.2	0.9	2.9	0.8	0.5	1.0	7.8
LaMarcus Aldridge	14	19.1	48.1	66.7	0.4	4.8	0.4	0.4	0.7	7.2
Tim Hardaway Jr.	14	26.9	47.0	77.8	1.8	2.1	1.4	1.1	0.1	6.7
Serge Ibaka	14	27.9	50.0	100.0	0.6	6.6	1.4	1.1	1.6	5.4
Chandler Parsons	10	16.4	39.0	55.6	0.8	2.3	0.6	0.4	0.5	4.8
Diamond Stone	14	12.5	67.9	81.2	0.0	4.2	0.7	0.6	0.7	3.6
Jrue Holiday	14	13.9	30.6	90.0	0.2	0.8	4.6	0.7	0.1	3.1
Kenny Guzman	7	10.6	26.1	100.0	0.7	0.3	0.6	0.4	0.0	3.0
Wesley Matthews	3	5.0	33.3	0.0	0.3	0.3	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0
Chevon Best	4	4.5	0.0	100.0	0.0	0.0	1.3	0.0	0.0	0.5

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League Leaders

POINTS		PPG	REBOUNDS		RPG
	1. Stephen Curry	30.3		1. Harry Giles	15.2
	2. DeMarcus Cousins	27.6		2. DeAndre Ayton	13.8
	3. Kyrie Irving	26.0		3. Myles Turner	12.9
	4. Matthew Holland	25.1		4. Karl-Anthony Towns	12.6
	5. Kevin Durant	24.9		5. Nikola Jokic	12.3
ASSISTS		APG	STEALS		SPG
	1. John Wall	12.2		1. Russell Westbrook	3.4
	2. Lonzo Ball	11.1		2. Frank Ntilikina	3.1
	3. Russell Westbrook	10.7		3. Matthew Holland	3.0
	4. Frank Ntilikina	9.9		4. John Wall	2.9
	5. Matthew Holland	9.7		5. Markelle Fultz	2.8
BLOCKS		BPG	FIELD GOAL		FG%
	1. Harry Giles	3.1		1. DeAndre Jordan	67.6
	2. Myles Turner	2.7		2. Tristan Thompson	62.0
	3. Karl-Anthony Towns	2.6		3. Axel Romero	61.1
	4. DeAndre Jordan	2.6		4. Lawrence Howard	60.8
	5. Jakob Poeltl	2.5		5. DeMarcus Cousins	59.8
3 POINT FIELD GOAL		3P%	PLUS/MINUS		+/-
	1. De'Aaron Fox	55.6		1. Buddy Hield	11.6
	2. Alex Abrines	53.3		2. Russell Westbrook	10.6
	3. Tim Hardaway Jr.	51.0		3. DeMarcus Cousins	10.2
	4. Stephen Curry	50.8		4. John Wall	9.9
	5. Kevin Durant	50.6		5. Anthony Davis	9.9

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Injury Report

Injury Report
Pos	Player	Injury Note
G	Kyle Lowry (UTA)	High Right Ankle Sprain (6-8 weeks)
G	T.J. McConnell (MIA)	Fractured Left Leg (4-6 weeks)
F	Kawhi Leonard (SAS)	Severe Left Ankle Sprain (4-6 weeks)
F	Carmelo Anthony (MEM)	Broken Right Thigh (4-6 weeks)
F	Rodney Gaines (CHA)	Fractured Left Leg (4-6 weeks)
F	Jonathan Isaac (DEN)	Pulled Left Calf Muscle (4-6 weeks)
G	Sean Kilpatrick (MIA)	Dislocated Left Patella (4-6 weeks)
G	Russell Warner (BOS)	Left Hand Fracture (2-4 weeks)
F	Clifton Everett (GSW)	Sprained Right Toe (1-2 weeks)

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Transaction Report

TRADES

13 December, 2022
Timberwolves trade: Zach LaVine, 2025 first-round pick (Top 3 Protected)
Trail Blazers trade: C.J. McCollum

18 December, 2022
Jazz trade: Gordan Hayward, 2025 second-round pick
Wizards trade: Bradley Beal

4 January, 2023
Nuggets trade: Gary Harris, 2025 first-round pick (Top 10 Protected)
Magic trade: Jonathan Isaac

17 January, 2023
Bucks trade: Thon Maker
Rockets trade: Nerlens Noel, Matthew Dellavedova

2 February, 2023
Hawks trade: Allonzo Trier, Eddy Thomas
Cavaliers trade: Caris LeVert, Stephen Zimmerman

10 February, 2023
Suns trade: Mario Hezonja, Brandon McCoy
Rockets trade: Norman Powell, Tobias Harris

16 February, 2023
Trail Blazers trade: Maurice Harkless
Bulls trade: Miles Bridges

SIGNINGS

• Jazz sign Bruno Caboclo to 1yr/$1.20M deal
• Knicks sign Danilo Gallinari to 1yr/$1.20M deal
• Nuggets sign Solomon Hill to 1yr/$1.20M deal
• Wizards sign Paul Zipser to 1yr/$1.20M deal
• Warriors sign Malcolm Delaney to 1yr/$1.20M deal
• Timberwolves sign Timofey Mozgov to 1yr/$1.20M deal
• Suns sign Darren Collison to 1yr/$1.20M deal
• Nets sign Kosta Koufos to 1yr/$1.20M deal

COACHING CHANGES

• 30/03/2023 | Knicks fire Frank Vogel & hire Steve Clifford
• 04/04/2023 | Nuggets fire Mike Malon & hire Kale Stuart

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Season Awards

Players of the Month

Rookies of the Month

Most Valuable Player

	#0 Russell Westbrook | PG UCLA
	Height: 6'3"	Age: 34
	Weight: 200 lbs	Drafted: 2008 (1st Rnd, 4th by SEA)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 15 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2022-23 Season 14 39.2 39.6 77.1 8.4 10.7 3.4 0.6 19.5
Summary With a full year under his belt on his new team, Westbrook bounced back in a big way, carrying the Pelicans to the second best record in the Western Conference while nabbing the second MVP of his career. Despite the lack of efficiency, Westbrook still averaged 10.7 APG and 3.4 SPG while scoring 19.5 PPG. Season highs: Points (32) | Three Pointers Made (6) | Rebounds (12) | Assists (14) | Steals (7) | Blocks (2) | Minutes Played (44)

Rookie of the Year

	#31 Jarell Benson | SF/PF University of Washington
	Height: 6'9"	Age:19
	Weight: 225 lbs	Drafted: 2022 (1st Rnd, 3rd by CHA)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 1 year
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2022-23 Season 14 30.9 41.5 77.8 6.6 3.9 0.8 0.6 16.2
Summary The injury to offseason signing, Rodney Gaines, led to a clear path for opens for Benson who made the most of it, averaging 16.2 PPG as well as being awarded the Rookie of the Month in March. He was also a key contributor in helping the Hornets back into Playoff contention as they nabbed the 4th seed in the East. Season highs: Points (32) | Three Pointers Made (3) | Rebounds (12) | Assists (7) | Steals (3) | Blocks (1) | Minutes Played (35)

Sixth Man of the Year

	#2 Trevon Duval | PG University of Maryland
	Height: 6'3"	Age: 24
	Weight: 188 lbs	Drafted: 2018 (1st Rnd, 6th by LAL)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 5 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2022-23 Season 14 30.1 46.9 76.7 3.7 5.2 1.1 0.0 14.3
Summary Duval was a big spark off the bench for the Lakers, averaging 14.3 PPG and 5.2 APG and helping the Lakers make the Playoffs for the first time in almost a decade. Season highs: Points (25) | Rebounds (11) | Assists (9) | Steals (2) | Blocks (0) | Minutes Played (34)

Defensive Player of the Year

	#1 Harry Giles | PF Duke University
	Height: 6'10"	Age: 25
	Weight: 220 lbs	Drafted: 2007 (1st Rnd, 2nd by MIN)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 6 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2022-23 Season 14 38.4 51.3 76.6 15.2 0.6 0.8 3.1 16.9
Summary Giles was the clear favorite to win DPOY with averages of 15.2 RPG and 3.1 BPG, both league leaders in their respective categories. Season highs: Points (27) | Rebounds (21) | Assists (3) | Steals (3) | Blocks (7) | Minutes Played (44)

Most Improved Player of the Year

	#43 Miles Bridges | SF Michigan State University
	Height: 6'7"	Age: 26
	Weight: 230 lbs	Drafted: 2017 (1st Rnd, 27th by LAL)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 6 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2022-23 Season 13 29.8 50.9 85.2 7.5 4.5 0.5 0.5 11.3
Summary Despite getting traded mid-season, it did not deter the 27th overall pick back in 2017 as he continued to make big strides with his new team, averaging career highs across the board. Season highs: Points (26) | Three Pointers Made (2) | Rebounds (12) | Assists (9) | Steals (2) | Blocks (2) | Minutes Played (35)

Coach of the Year

	Rick Carlisle Dallas Mavericks
	W-L: 11-3	Home: 5-2
	Road 6-1	PPG: 110.4
	PAPG: 103.4	Point Differential: 7.1

All-NBA Teams

Award	Player	Pos	Team
All-NBA 1st Team
All-NBA 1st Team	Russell Westbrook	G	NOP
	Stephen Curry	G	GSW
	Kevin Durant	F	GSW
	LeBron James	F	CLE
	DeMarcus Cousins	C	DAL
All-NBA 2nd Team
All-NBA 2nd Team	John Wall	G	DAL
	Frank Ntilikina	G	SAC
	Ben Simmons	F	PHI
	Josh Jackson	F	MIA
	Raymar Benjamin	C	ATL
All-NBA 3rd Team
All-NBA 3rd Team	Damian Lillard	G	POR
	Kyrie Irving	G	CLE
	Harry Giles	F	MIN
	Nikola Jokic	F	DEN
	Karl-Anthony Towns	C	MIN
All-Defensive 1st Team
All-Defensive 1st Team	Russell Westbrook	G	NOP
	Giannis Antetokounmpo	G	MIL
	Myles Turner	F	IND
	Harry Giles	F	MIN
	Karl-Anthony Towns	C	MIN
All-Defensive 2nd Team
All-Defensive 2nd Team	Markelle Fultz	G	UTA
	Matthew Holland	G	OKC
	Josh Jackson	F	MIA
	Anthony Davis	F	NOP
	Joel Embiid	C	PHI
All-Rookie 1st Team
All-Rookie 1st Team	Ja'Kel Smart	G	TOR
	Tyshawn Atkins	G	DET
	Russell Warner	G	BOS
	Jarell Benson	F	CHA
	Moses Williams	C	OKC
All-Rookie 2nd Team
All-Rookie 2nd Team	Sherron Davis	G	SAS
	Darnell Hardaway	G	CHI
	Wilson Thomas	F	ATL
	Jacob Jackson	C	WAS
	Devon Sharpe	C	LAL

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Playoffs Bracket

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First-Round Recap

April 13, 2023 | by NBA News

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(1) Dallas Mavericks vs. (8) Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers took a surprising lead early, outscoring the Mavs 15-4 to start the game. But with the postseason jitters out of the way, Dallas slowly began to chip away the margin, and it wasn't until the second quarter where Paul George took over, scoring 8 unanswered points and wiping away the deficit. George finished with 26 points as the Mavericks continued their onslaught in the second half with a convincing 50-39 run.

DeMarcus Cousins led the team in scoring with 30 points and 10 rebounds while John Wall stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, 5 boards and 15 assists.

Meanwhile, an emotional Chris Paul checked out of the game for the last time in his career with just 4 minutes left in the game. He received a standing ovation by the Dallas crowd and it was increasingly difficult for Paul to contain his tears as the clock winded down. He finished with 10 points and 6 assists and will undoubtedly go down as one of the top pure point guards to every grace the game.

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(2) New Orleans Pelicans vs. (8) Los Angeles Lakers

MVP, Russell Westbrook, was in full-effect tonight as he dropped 22 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists to carry the Pelicans over the Lakers. His efficiency continues to be a glaring concern with 9 turnovers in the win.

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(3) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (6) Utah Jazz

Damian Lillard torched the Jazz to a 119-108 victory with 36 points and 6 assists, whilst making 14/15 from the free throw line.

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(4) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (5) Golden State Warriors

The Timberwolves have dethroned the reigning champions thanks to Karl-Anthony Towns' 26 points and 9 rebounds. But probably the biggest surprise in this game, and the x-factor, was Bojan Bogdanovic, who dropped 20 points (7/9 shooting) in just 16 minutes of action.

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(1) Washington Wizards vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks

Dennis Smith Jr. continued his breakout season, scoring 25 points, 12 assists and 4 steals to help the Wizards advance past the Hawks in a 82-77 victory.

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(2) Indiana Pacers vs. (7) Cleveland Cavaliers

Despite getting the number 2 seed in the East, the Pacers clearly drew the short-end of the stick, matching up against the Cavs who were clearly not a 7th seeded team. And it showed, the Cleveland blowing Indiana out of the park. Kyrie Irving torched the Pacers with 41 points while LeBron triple-doubled with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

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(3) Orlando Magic vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers

Similarly story here with the 76ers clearly better than their actual seed, defeating the Magic 114-111. Joel Embiid was the high man with 25 points and 15 rebounds.

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(4) Charlotte Hornets vs. (5) Chicago Bulls

With the game going right down to the wire, it was the Hornets that narrowly escaped with the win, beating the Bulls 118-116.

Dejounte Murray carried the Hornets with 29 points, 4 assists and 3 steals.

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