Marquette in the NBA: Early results post-trade deadline

Olivier-Maxence Prosper

Let’s start with OMax, who just keeps getting better and better in Dallas. The Mavericks made the big move to send Luka Doncic to Los Angeles and acquire Anthony Davis.  In his very first game for Dallas, Davis got injured and it was announced that he will be out for an extended time. On Monday night the Mavericks starting Center, Daniel Gafford, went down with an injury and OMax got the 2nd half start as a result. As he so often does, OMax was putting his stamp all over the game with his highlight reel plays.

So good, let’s have another look…

…but it isn’t just the highlight reel plays for OMax anymore. He seems to have found a real role on this team. Effort plays defensively are his calling-card, but he has shown the ability to be a good offensive player. Down by a point with 3 minutes remaining, it was OMax that gave Dallas a lead by completing a 3-point play.

In a game that went overtime, OMax played 33 minutes. Due to the injuries and personnel, many of those minutes were out of position at the 5 matched up with Domantas Sabonis of the Kings. The final stat line for OMax in the overtime loss was 16 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal on 6-10 shooting and 4-4 from the free throw line…and he just keeps getting better.

Jimmy Butler

Jimmy got his 1st start with the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night in Chicago where he posted 25 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal. No time to learn the offense, no problem for Jimmy. So efficient, so in control, and it probably doesn’t hurt playing alongside one of the greatest of all time in Steph Curry who finished with 34 points in that win in Chicago.

Fast-forward to Monday night where Jimmy and the Warriors returned to Milwaukee to face the former Marquette Warrior, Doc Rivers and his Bucks squad. Jimmy gave some of his thoughts pregame in an interview with NBAtv where he detailed his current situation and his return to Milwaukee…

“This place has always been special to me. Marquette did give me a chance, the city of Milwaukee has always shown me a lot of love, but once again I’m here as a visiting team so we got a job to do.”

…and the job, they did do. The Warriors scored 125 points in a double digit win against the Bucks. 20 of those were scored by Jimmy who also chipped in 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. A stat stuffer.

So far so good for Jimmy and the Warriors.

Golden State will head to Dallas on Wednesday for a showdown on ESPN at 8:30 PM Central Time, where OMax and Jimmy will have a chance to face off against one another in a Marquette on Marquette battle. Stay tuned for more!