INDIANAPOLIS – The Dallas Mavericks are navigating through a challenging season marked by injuries, but their forward Kai Jones has stepped up to the plate, delivering noteworthy performances as he finds his place in the NBA. With the team now fielding just eight players due to injuries, Jones is relishing his increased playtime. “I’m not going to lie, it’s fun because you know you’re going to play a lot, so I love it,” he expressed. “It’s like a dream. It’s like, I’m not coming out (of the game) at all.”
Since entering the NBA in 2021, Jones has played across three NBA teams and four G League squads, making every minute on the court feel like a precious opportunity. After being signed to a two-way contract with the Mavericks on March 3, 2025, Jones has made an immediate impact. In his debut against the Sacramento Kings, he scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds while going 9-of-10 from the field.
However, the Mavs faced a tough loss on March 19, 2025, against the Indiana Pacers, falling 135-131. Despite the defeat, Jones put forth another strong showing, recording 18 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 8-of-9 from the floor in just 24 minutes. His coach, Jason Kidd, lauded his performance, noting, “I think when you look at what Kai’s done here, he was perfect from the floor except for one miss. Him being able to rebound the ball (and) with his athleticism getting out and running (is perfect).”
Jones’ energy was evident, especially when he executed six dunks in the game, including three in a remarkable 69-second span during the third quarter. “(Dunks have) always been a strength of mine since I was a young player in AAU. My coaches always told me to dunk everything, play hard and play aggressive,” he remarked.
While Jones enjoys the opportunity to shine, he remains empathetic towards his teammates struggling with injuries. “It’s sad to see that players are getting hurt. I pray that they come back quickly. I told Kyrie (Irving) that I’m praying for him and hope he comes back better than ever,” Jones said, showcasing his love for the game and respect for his fellow players.
P.J. Washington, another key player for the Mavs, is finding his rhythm after missing several games due to injury. He added 26 points and five rebounds against the Pacers, following a stellar performance against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he scored 29 points and had 12 rebounds.
Jaden Hardy also made an impact in the recent game, scoring 24 points, two rebounds, and two assists, marking his return after spraining his right ankle earlier in the month.
The loss against the Pacers was particularly painful for the Mavericks, who had been leading 128-121 with under a minute left in the game. Unfortunately, a series of errors led to the defeat. The Mavericks committed three costly turnovers while missing three critical free throws, handing the game over to the Pacers, who capitalized on the mistakes.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 29 points, while Obi Toppin and Andrew Nembhard played decisive roles in the closing moments. The Pacers managed to drastically overcome an 11-point deficit in the final six minutes of the game.
Jones reflected positively on the game despite the disappointing result, emphasizing the importance of learning from their mistakes. “We played a beautiful game. I love the way we fought back but at the end of games taking care of the ball is crucial,” he said. He believes that each experience contributes to the team's growth.
As the Mavs prepare to face the Detroit Pistons next, they look to find momentum and build a winning streak, despite the injuries plaguing the roster. Jones’ promising performances could very well be a turning point for the Mavericks as they navigate the latter part of the season.