Dennis Smith Jr. wants to become one of the best point guards in the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks rookie is flashing potential to reach that level and impressed on a day when he went against fellow rookie guard Lonzo Ball.
But chalk Saturday afternoon’s 107-101 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers as another growing experience.
Smith dazzled in the first half before faltering in the second half as the Mavericks blew a 10-point fourth quarter lead at the American Airlines Center.
Smith had a game-leading 17 points at halftime, shooting 6-of-11 from the field. In the second half, though, Smith was held to just six points and went 2-of-8 from the field, including 0-for-4 from 3-point range.