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Mavs' Josh Green & Derrick Jones Jr. Did 'Great' in New Roles vs. Rockets

Originally posted on FanNation Dallas Basketball
By Grant Afseth | Last updated 11/30/23

DALLAS — During the Dallas Mavericks' 121-115 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, the team changed the lineup by swapping Derrick Jones Jr. out for Josh Green on the wing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Before the game, Mavs coach Jason Kidd praised the impact Green has provided the Mavs without having to put up major scoring totals by recalling how he helped the team in his "best game of the year" despite going scoreless in a win over the Washington Wizards.

"Best game of the year. He didn't score. And so, look at Josh, it's not about scoring, it's about him playing hard. He calls it being a defensive end. You know, sometimes we get called out on scoring. It's not all about scoring points. It's about what he does for us on the defensive end.

"What Josh has done here of late, there are some positive things, and we'll see how he handles the offense first," Kidd explained. "And then he's always been judged on points he scores."

Green finished his performance playing 30 minutes, recording five points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one block. With Grant Williams struggling to find a rhythm offensively, Green closed the game alongside Jones, who totaled 15 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 34 minutes. Both players involved in the lineup change were ultimately productive.

The decision was made to see how Green and Jones would handle executing in different personnel combinations, as opposed to it being the result of a demotion for poor performance. The coaching staff had a favorable view of how both players handled their roles against the Rockets.

“We came up with that decision just to see how Josh [Green] handled it and also see how D. Jones [Derrick Jones Jr.] handled it," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. "We talked to D. Jones about it, and he's a pro, man. He said, ‘All I want to do is win. Whatever you need me to do, Coach.’ He didn't do anything to come out of the starting lineup.

"Sometimes we lose focus, and everybody gets caught up in having their name announced to start the game, but it's about finishing the game," Kidd explained. "That's where you get paid. D. Jones is a pro, that's why we wanted him. It's not just because of the shots the rebounds, or the defense he's playing. He's about winning, and he showed that by giving a teammate the opportunity to start and Josh did a great job starting.”

Jones doesn't see a difference if he's starting or coming off the bench. He takes pride in staying ready whenever his number is called instead of focusing on whether he has a specific type of role.

"For me, there's no adjustment. There's no difference," Jones said. "I go out there and do my job. Whenever my number is called, I go out there and do my job. That's it."

There is confidence Jones has benefited from Kidd, with a consistent message for him to stay true to his game when he's on the floor, dating back to when he decided to sign with the team. Regardless of Jones' role, he feels a sense of established chemistry with his teammates at this point of the season.

"It goes back to just the trust and the chemistry I have with the guys," Jones said. "From when I first got in here, he (Coach Jason Kidd) told me to play my game and be who I am."

It remains to be seen what the Mavs' lasting personnel choice will be as they continue to experiment. They have been productive with Green as a starter this season, going 4-0 in those particular games. During Green's NBA career, Dallas has gone 13-9 when he started alongside Doncic.