TITLE: Bagley’s 26-Point Surge, Flagg’s ROY Bid Headline Southwest Division Roundup
SLUG: bagley-flagg-jackson-durant-spurs-southwest-roundup
CONTENT:
Marvin Bagley III, selected No. 2 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, delivered his most productive game in three seasons on Friday, pouring in 26 points to steer the Dallas Mavericks past the Portland Trail Blazers, 100-93.
“He was dominant,” teammate P.J. Washington said after the game, noting that Dallas repeatedly fed Bagley in pick-and-roll sets where he scored, passed or drew mismatches inside. Bagley, acquired from the Washington Wizards last month, is set to enter unrestricted free agency at season’s end.
The same contest featured another standout effort from rookie forward Cooper Flagg, who finished with 24 points. Head coach Jason Kidd told the Dallas Morning News that Flagg’s Rookie of the Year candidacy should be “a big priority” for the organization, adding that the first-year player is compiling “historic” numbers compared with previous winners of the award.
Elsewhere in the Southwest Division, Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson II voiced frustration about superstar treatment by officials, singling out Phoenix Suns veteran Kevin Durant following the Rockets’ 10-point victory on Friday. “It’s unbelievable how the refs can suck up to somebody,” Jackson said, while acknowledging Durant’s status as “the GOAT.” Durant attempted seven free throws while scoring 25 points in the win.
Despite their limited playoff résumé, the San Antonio Spurs are drawing increasing league-wide belief that they can contend for the championship this season. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst reported that multiple sources now view San Antonio as a legitimate title favorite.
Source: Hoops Rumors
