The resurgence of Dante Exum continues.
The Australian produced a huge 26-point performance in the Dallas Mavericks’ 127-125 win over the LA Lakers on Wednesday (all time AEDT) – the Mavs’ fourth straight win – including a record seven three-pointers in career. .
Exum delivered in the crucial moment of the Dallas game, showing off his improved three-point stroke with four triples and 17 points in the final quarter alone to lead Dallas’ late avalanche.
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After the 28-year-old’s final three plays, which put Dallas ahead 127-121 with less than a minute left to seal the victory, Mavs owner Mark Cuban couldn’t prevent him from kissing Exum during the next timeout with a warm hug.
Exum’s full line included 26 points on 8 of 10 shooting from the field, 7 of 9 from downtown, 3 of 4 from the free throw line, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.
It was the most points the former Pick 5 has scored in an NBA game since a 28-point performance for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Minnesota Timberwolves in January 2020.
Over his last three games as a starter, Exum is now averaging 21.7 points, 5.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds on 64 percent shooting from the field and 66 percent from center- city, taking full advantage of the extra minutes on a Dallas team missing several players in the backcourt, including Kyrie Irving.
“I’m happy for him…he got knocked out of the league and now has an opportunity for the second time,” NBA legend Vince Carter said of Exum on TNT.
“I think sometimes these kids take this opportunity to become a professional athlete for granted.
“When you lose it, you want it back. I hope he doesn’t let this go again. »
The Mavericks are now 4-0 since Exum entered the starting lineup.
Exum, who spent the last two seasons in Europe, could suddenly play a bigger role in the 15-8 Mavericks, even when healthy.
Elsewhere for the Mavs, Luka Doncic was huge with 33 points and 17 assists and Tim Hardaway Jr. had 32 points with five threes coming off the bench.
Anthony Davis’ 37 points led the Lakers and LeBron James added 33 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and three steals as Darvin Ham’s team fell to 14-10.
DRAYMONG EJECTED FOR A SWING HIT ON NURKIC
Draymond Green was ejected from Golden State’s clash with Phoenix after receiving a flagrant foul for appearing to swing and hit Jusuf Nurkic in the head.
Green and Nurkic during the third quarter tangled on a play before Green rotated his body and collected Nurkic high with a closed fist in a fiery moment.
The Warriors forward received two flagrant fouls and was ejected from the competition.
Pending a review of the game by the league office, Green could face the possibility of another suspension.
The 33-year-old was suspended for some games last month for escalating an on-court altercation with the Minnesota Timberwolves, during which Green put Rudy Gobert in a headlock. At the time, the league cited Green’s history as a repeat offender to justify the length of his ban.
Green has now been ejected three times this season – the most in the NBA – while he has 18 regular season ejections in his career – the most of any active player.
ALL RESULTS
RIDERS 113 CELTIC 120
LAKERS 125 MAVERICKS 127
NUGGETS 114 BULLS 106
