‘He’s Done A Really Good Job’: Brandon Williams Starts vs. Milwaukee Bucks As Dallas Mavericks Seek Backcourt Stability

Grant AfsethNovember 10, 2025November 10, 2025no comment

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks are turning to Brandon Williams to open Monday night’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, rewarding the guard for his steady early-season performance and strong play in Saturday’s win over the Washington Wizards.

Williams, who has averaged 8.6 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.8 steals in eight games this season, will make his first start of the year as Dallas looks to sustain momentum from that 111–105 victory — its first road win of the season — while still navigating multiple injuries across the roster.

Brandon Williams’ Play Earns the Nod

Head coach Jason Kidd confirmed the decision before tipoff, praising Williams’ development as both a scorer and facilitator.

“His study habits have definitely improved,” Kidd said. “He’s spending time learning how defenses cover him. His speed is hard to guard, but now he’s showing patience — using that speed to get to the rim while keeping others involved. He’s done a really good job with that.”

Williams scored 14 points and dished out six assists in Washington, including the go-ahead three-pointer midway through the fourth quarter. Kidd said his energy and defensive activity have become vital amid injuries to Kyrie Irving and Danté Exum.

“His speed, his ability to set screens, and just finding open looks — his defense was big, too,” Kidd said postgame. “Those steals late mattered.”

Brandon Williams: “Just Had to Turn Up the Energy”

Williams said the turning point in Washington came when the Mavericks stopped pressing and started playing free.

“We’ve been in that situation before,” Williams said. “Just had to turn up the energy on both sides — defense first, then offense takes care of itself.”

He credited his offseason work studying defensive coverages and building chemistry with teammates as key to his readiness for a starting role.

“I worked a lot this offseason on learning coverages,” Williams said. “I know I can get by my man, but it’s about reading that next line of defense. Learning where Moose likes the ball, how guys move. Practice is one thing, but games are another. It’s on me to figure it out fast.”

Jason Kidd on Team Mindset: “We’ll Find a Way to Turn It Around”

The Mavericks (3–7) have struggled through a difficult opening stretch, but Kidd emphasized the importance of patience and perspective.

“I think this team’s going to be fine,” Kidd said. “Every season you hit a stretch — sometimes it’s at the beginning, sometimes in the middle or end. We all want to be better — coaches, players — and we’ll find a way to turn it around.”

The Mavericks will face a Bucks team (6–4) led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who enters Monday averaging 33.4 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Kidd, who coached Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, compared the superstar’s early learning curve to what Cooper Flagg is now experiencing in Dallas.

“Cooper’s playing the game the right way, trying to make the right plays,” Kidd said. “Right now, the advantage might go to the opponent because he hasn’t gone through this yet, but he’s doing a great job. He’ll do it at a very high level as time goes on.”

Dallas Mavericks’ Injury Outlook

Dallas remains without several key rotation players. Anthony Davis (left calf strain) and Daniel Gafford (right ankle sprain) are listed as questionable, while Dereck Lively II (right knee sprain), Irving (left knee surgery), and Exum (right knee management) remain out.

Despite the roster shuffling, Kidd said the team’s improved energy and ball movement in Washington were positive signs heading into a four-game homestand.

“There’s been a lot of noise, but the team blocked it out and played at a high level,” Kidd said. “Now it’s about carrying that energy over.”

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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