Quentin Grimes Continues to Elevate His Game, Helps Lead Mavericks Past Jazz
Quentin Grimes scores 24 points, delivers back-to-back 20-point games, and helps the Mavericks improve to 5-1 without Luka Dončić this season.
SALT LAKE CITY — Quentin Grimes is hitting his stride at just the right time for the Dallas Mavericks. The third-year guard continued his impressive run of form Saturday night, scoring a season-high 24 points in a 106-94 win over the Utah Jazz. Grimes knocked down four three-pointers in the first quarter, setting the tone for a game that showcased his growing confidence and impact on both ends of the floor.
“Yeah, just in the groove,” Grimes said of his hot start. “Teammates looking for me, trying to find me because I had a hot hand a little bit. It’s a great feeling when they give me confidence to go out there, shoot the ball, and let it fly. It’s a big confidence boost for sure.”
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Grimes’ recent surge has been a key factor in Dallas’ success. Since being a DNP-CD earlier this month against Denver, he has averaged 12.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in nine games. Over his last five outings, those numbers have risen to 15.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. Saturday’s performance marked the third time Grimes has posted back-to-back 20-point games in his career.
Stepping Up in Big Moments
Grimes’ scoring was most prevalent in the first half—scoring a career-high 17 points before the break. It was necessary to get off to a good start, which included the team’s third 40-point quarter of the season. The Mavericks suffered a narrow loss in Utah earlier this season, and the team made a concerted effort to approach this game with a sharper mindset.
“We had to get this win,” Grimes said. “The first time, we kind of let our hand off the rope a little bit. Tonight, we came in with the right mindset and played how we’re supposed to.”
Head coach Jason Kidd praised Grimes for his maturity and versatility, which have been key to his recent success. “He’s been great for us,” Kidd said. “He plays the game the right way—moving without the ball, defending at a high level, and taking the shots we need him to take. His consistency has been big for us.”
Grimes’ contributions have become a cornerstone of Dallas’ recent success. With the Mavericks now 5-1 without Luka Dončić during his absence, Grimes and his teammates have embraced their roles in keeping the team competitive.
Dončić’s impending return presents an opportunity for the Mavericks to elevate their play even further. Grimes expressed excitement about integrating the superstar back into the lineup, emphasizing the seamless fit Dončić provides.
“He’s one of the best in this league for a reason,” Grimes said. “Getting him back makes our job easier. He draws so much gravity down the court, and that opens things up for me to get more catch-and-shoot opportunities. He can score 30 with his eyes closed. I don’t think it’ll be an adjustment for any of us—just be ready for any pass that comes our way.”
Closing out the Game
When Utah made a late push, the Mavericks leaned on teamwork and Kyrie Irving’s steady leadership to seal the win. Grimes praised Irving for stepping up in key moments, scoring or assisting on several critical plays that helped guide Dallas to victory.
“He’s ‘Mr. Fourth Quarter’ for a reason,” Grimes said. “We trust him out there to make every play. If he has to score, he scores. If he needs to find someone, he does that too. Everybody played unselfish basketball tonight. Everyone got to touch it, got to see it go in the hoop. Hopefully, we can carry that into the next game.”
The Mavericks have shown significant growth in late-game situations, a point Grimes emphasized as part of the team’s development. “We kind of just played Dallas Maverick basketball tonight,” he said. “Everyone stepped up, and we closed out how we’re supposed to.”
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks will close out their back-to-back set against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, aiming to maintain the momentum they’ve built without Dončić. For Grimes, the focus remains on staying aggressive and continuing to capitalize on opportunities.
“Just don’t let our foot off the gas,” he said. “Keep playing with the same mindset, move the ball, and defend at a high level. If we do that, we’ll be in a great position moving forward.”
Grimes’ emergence has been a bright spot for Dallas, providing the kind of production and reliability that could pay dividends as the season progresses.
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