Editor’s Notes: Max Christie thrives in Luka-AD trade aftermath
The Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis trade continue to roam around the basketball world.
Davis already made his debut with the Mavericks, and he was welcomed by the Dallas fans with open arms, though they were still furious at Nico Harrison and the management.
They loved the fact that AD is a big boost to the team but still whining about the departure of their beloved former star from Slovenia.
In his first game as a Maverick, Davis finished with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists in 31 minutes of action in their 116-105 victory against the Houston Rockets.
But Dallas fans became wary when they saw Davis fall down once again due to injury. Although AD assured everyone that he’s ready to go, he just needed to loosen up.
On the other hand, Doncic hasn’t played a single game yet as a Laker.
The talk about these two superstars will continue until one of them proves their real worth in the swap, but there’s someone who thrives in the deal – the 3-and-D guy, Max Christie.
Since he became a Maverick, Christie was balling so well.
In the past three games, he’s averaging 17.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 0.3 steals.
Christie also shot 66.7% (8-of-12) from three-point territory, and 76.5% (13-of-17) from the free-throw line. He only turns the ball over once per outing.
It’s already given that Anthony Davis will score, crash the boards, swat the opponents' shots, and can even dish off good assists as long as he is on the floor, and the same goes with Luka Doncic when he already put the Lakers jersey on, but the real gem here is Max Christie.
Christie’s name might not be as huge as AD and Luka, but he is a real baller that can give what you ask of him every night.
One more thing is that he is just turning 22 on February 10. And what a way to celebrate his birthday if they get another victory against the Sacramento Kings in Dallas.
The Mavericks can further improve their record before the All-Star break as they will have two more home games against the Warriors and the Heat, who were also known to swap players Andrew Wiggings to Miami, Jimmy Butler to Golden State) before the trade deadline.
Going back to Christie, expect him to do more wonders in the coming days, months, and even years as he is a total package – a sharpshooter from downtown, knows how to grab rebounds and dish off passes, while also playing good defense.
Mavs GM Harrison uttered during the hype of the trade, they wanted to have a culture that will be built in defense. He even quoted the old saying, “defense wins championships.”
And Max Christie is one epitome of a guy who can give you that culture. A complete two-way player who can also bring out the best in his teammates.
If Christie and the Mavs continue on what they are doing, and be totally healthy along the way, they will be a headache to their opponents, and can finally bring the Larry O'Brien trophy to Dallas, which has been elusive to them since 2011.
