Morez Johnson Jr wasn’t in top shape entering his rookie season after battling shin splints in training camp, but the former Michigan standout showed why Mavericks drafted him No. 9 overall during an impressive two-way performance on Friday, writes Christian Clark of The Athletic (free link).
Johnson had a career-high 17 rebounds, including 10 offensive rebounds, after recording six or fewer boards in his first eight NBA games. The 20-year-old big man also had 13 points (on 5-of-8 shooting), one steal and one block and was a plus-20 in 24 minutes during the Mavericks’ 12-point victory.
The highlight of Johnson’s performance was a one-handed lob dunk in transition (Link to video on Twitter).
“I’m back, man” Johnson said with a smile (Link to YouTube via Dallas Sports Journal). “I’m right here. See that forehead? I didn’t do that two weeks ago.”
According to Clark, head coach Dusty May admitted Johnson was “disappointed” with his slow start, but both believe his calf problem is over.
“I think he’s relieved to get back into the flow of the game” May said.”He needs to keep taking care of his body, but he looks great. I think this is a guy we will see regularly.”
Here’s more from the Southwest:
- Victor WembanyamaThe star center has been praised by his teammates and head coach for the way he takes care of his body after his 52 points, 24 rebounds, eight blocks on Wednesday, writes Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News. The Spurs the big man played through an illness and also sprained his ankle in the fourth quarter of a win over Dallas stepping on Walter Claytonleg “He is Superman,” the security guard Dylan Harper said. “He twists his ankle, pops up and pretends nothing happened. I’ve never seen anything like it, but it’s just a testament to how he takes care of his body, how he focuses on his mobility, his treatment, all of that. So he is able to do things like that.” Head coach Mitch Johnson Orsborn said Spurs focus on a person’s health and well-being once they sign a player. San Antonio improved to 7-2 with Friday’s win over Sacramento.
- In a lengthy Q&A with Mark J. Spears from Andscapenew Pelicans head coach Jamal Mosley discusses time with magicincluding being fired by Orlando in May, and why he decided to join New Orleans after “flirting” with the idea of taking a year off from coaching. Mosley also talks about building a rapport with the players, in particular Zion Williamsonand what it will mean to help the Pelicans get back to winning ways. The Pelicans are currently 4-5 after starting the season with an 0-4 record.
- The Rockets designated second-round pick Bruce Thornton to their G League affiliate Thursday before the season opener for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, as reported by Larchard Binkley of TheDreamShake.com (via Twitter). The former Ohio State star was out of Houston’s rotation for the 2026-27 season.
