‘We Feel Pretty Good’: Max Christie Confident Dallas Mavericks Are Coming Together Ahead Of Los Angeles Lakers Matchup

Grant AfsethOctober 15, 2025October 21, 2025no comment

Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks enter their preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers with momentum and growing confidence. Monday’s 114–101 victory over the Utah Jazz was their most complete showing yet — a game that featured balance, pace, and defensive dominance.

For Max Christie, the performance reflected the direction the team has been building toward throughout camp: unselfish play, movement, and communication.

“I think we feel pretty good, to be honest,” Christie said after Wednesday’s shootaround at T-Mobile Arena. “We’ve had a lot of reps and a lot of film sessions together. We’re definitely getting more comfortable. It’s still preseason — still early — but we feel very good. We’re communicating well as a team, as a unit — from coaching staff to players, and players to players. So I think we’re in a pretty good spot.”

Finding Rhythm in Jay Triano’s Offense

Dallas fired 53 three-pointers in Utah — nearly double its total from the previous game — while still controlling the interior with a 59–48 rebounding edge and 10 blocked shots. Christie said the team’s cutting and spacing have helped everyone thrive, particularly in assistant coach Jay Triano’s motion-based system.

“With Jay’s offense, our movement, our cutting, and our shooting just allow for a lot of open shots and great looks,” Christie said. “That’s how we want to play — with pace, a lot of movement, and off-ball cutting. That leads to a lot of threes and a lot of drives that get us to the line.”

The Mavericks’ new identity emphasizes pace and balance. Head coach Jason Kidd has pushed for a modernized shot profile focused on threes, layups, and free throws, a message that clearly resonated in Utah.

Building Chemistry and Confidence

Christie, who joined the Mavericks midway through last season, said having a full offseason and training camp in Dallas has made a significant difference.

“It’s been good to be in a spot again — reacclimated to a new city and team,” Christie said. “This is my first offseason in Dallas and my first training camp here, so it’s good to get those under my belt and get more comfortable with the guys. We’ve got a new coaching staff, so everyone’s transitioning too. I think we’ve done a good job coming together, learning each other’s tendencies, and communicating well.”

Christie averaged 9.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 78 games during the 2024–25 season, providing two-way versatility on the wing. Through three preseason appearances, he’s averaging 7.7 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 38.5% from the field and 40% from three.

He credited rookie Ryan Nembhard for helping steady the offense with his poise and playmaking — Nembhard finished with 12 assists against Utah.

“He’s a willing passer, obviously,” Christie said. “He did a good job of steadying the offense, getting us set up in our positions, and finding the open man. He’s a phenomenal passer, so it’s fun to play with him for sure.”

Defense Leading the Way

Christie also pointed to the team’s two-big lineups — featuring combinations of Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and others — as a major strength.

“Defensively is the first thing that comes to mind for me as a guard on the perimeter,” Christie said. “Having two bigs out there — AD, who’s one of the best defenders in the NBA, and then Lively, DP, Gafford, Musa — guys who are tall, athletic, and long — they can really disrupt shots at the rim. It makes my life a lot easier on the perimeter knowing I’ve got that kind of help behind me.”

Kidd praised Davis after the Utah game, calling it “one of his best” preseason performances. Davis posted 25 points, six rebounds, and two blocks in 25 minutes, anchoring both ends of the floor.

“You could see his conditioning — he’s starting to ramp up more minutes,” Kidd said. “If he’s going to play like he did tonight, that puts us in a good seat to win a lot of games.”

Praise for Kidd and Vogel

Christie also expressed appreciation for Kidd’s recent contract extension and the addition of Frank Vogel to the full-time coaching staff.

“It’s great. I’m very happy to see that,” Christie said of Kidd’s extension. “He’s a phenomenal coach. I’ve only been here for half a season, but I’ve already seen it — his history as a player translating to being a coach as well. He’s very knowledgeable and a great leader for our team.”

On Vogel, he added that having him on the floor daily instead of in a consulting capacity has already elevated the team’s preparation and defensive structure.

“He’s a historic coach in the NBA,” Vogel said. “Obviously, he’s won a championship with the Lakers, and he was the head of a great Pacers team back in the day as well. His defensive scheme is phenomenal and his attention to detail is great.”

Returning to Las Vegas

Christie returns to the same building where he won the NBA In-Season Tournament with the Lakers in 2023, a moment he said he’ll always appreciate.

“That was the very first In-Season Tournament, my second year,” he said. “When we won, it was cool to be part of history — to win the very first one with the Lakers. I’m very grateful for my time there. The atmosphere was great, and I’m sure it’ll be really good tonight as well.”

The Mavericks will use Wednesday’s finale to continue ramping up starters’ minutes and fine-tuning rotations ahead of their regular-season opener on Oct. 22 against the San Antonio Spurs.

Latest Dallas Mavericks News & NBA Rumors

Leave a Response Cancel reply

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.

view all posts

Archives