Clippers’ Derrick Jones Jr. Grateful for Time with Mavericks and Tribute Video: “I’ve Always Got Love for This City”
Derrick Jones Jr. returned to a warm welcome at American Airlines Center on Thursday night as the LA Clippers faced the Dallas Mavericks. During the first quarter, the Mavericks honored Jones with a tribute video honoring his role in their 2023 NBA Finals run.
Jones, who spent just one season in Dallas before signing a three-year, $30 million contract with the Clippers, admitted the gesture caught him by surprise.
“I wasn’t expecting that,” Jones said. “That’s love, for sure. I always got love for this city. It gave me an opportunity to win. A lot of teams wouldn’t. I was able to take full advantage of the opportunity and got myself here.”
Jones played 76 games for Dallas last season, averaging 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while emerging as a full-time starter on the wing. His energy, defense, and ability to guard elite offensive players and multiple positions proved instrumental in the team’s success, ultimately helping to achieve a Finals run.
“Derrick was a big part of our success last year,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “He made us a little bit more athletic, he could guard one-through-five, he shot the three well for us, and he’s a pro. We’re happy for his new contract. Unfortunately, he’s on the other side, but the Clippers got a pro.”
Derrick Jones Jr. Thriving with the LA Clippers
Since joining the Clippers, Jones has reached new heights, averaging a career-best 10 points per game, shooting 50.5% from the field and 43.2% from the three-point range. On Thursday night, he contributed 8 points, one rebound, one assist, one steal, and one block in 20 minutes of action.
“We all know defensively that’s where he stands out,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “But he’s got a career year in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, minutes played – a lot of different things. He’s taken a huge step forward.”
Lue also praised Jones’ team-first mentality. “Just having him on the team, he does whatever we ask him to do, is willing to do anything, willing to guard the best player every night. He’s been great. He’s one of my favorite guys.”
Dallas Mavericks Struggle Without Stars
The Mavericks were missing Luka Dončić (left heel contusion) and Kyrie Irving (right shoulder soreness) and struggled to keep up without their two top scorers. Dallas shot a season-low 23.3% from three-point range (7-for-30) and was outscored 39-28 in the third quarter, allowing the Clippers to pull away for a 118-95 victory.
“Defensively, we locked in a little bit more,” Jones said. “We got into the ball a little bit more. You know, we kind of sped them up a little bit so we can get on the break a little bit more. It’s working for us. We keep pushing for it.”
Klay Thompson led Dallas with 22 points, his first game leading the team in scoring. Spencer Dinwiddie added 19 points in his first start of the season, but it wasn’t enough to counter a balanced Clippers attack. Norman Powell scored 29 points, James Harden had 24, and Ivica Zubac added 21 points and 15 rebounds for Los Angeles.
“Derrick had a solid game, but as a team, we let them get too comfortable in the second half,” Kidd said. “We’ve got to compete better on both ends.”
Fond Memories in Dallas
While Jones thrives with the Clippers, his return to Dallas brought back fond memories.
“The bonds and relationships I built with the guys, for me, it was special,” Jones said. “Like I said, I always got love for the city and the team. Hopefully, it’s mutual.”
Jones will have another chance to reunite with Mavericks fans and teammates on Saturday night, as the two teams meet again at American Airlines Center.
