Marvin Bagley III continues to show valuable skill set in Mavericks' loss to Phoenix

PHOENIX — The Mavericks haven't had the luxury of having a floor-spacing big man this season.

In fact, they haven't had many reliable 3-point shooters outside of Max Christie, Klay Thompson and more recently, John Poulakidas. 

However, they've stumbled upon a center who has the ability to spread the floor in Marvin Bagley III.

Bagley continued his consistent stretch of perimeter shooting in a 112-107 loss to the Phoenix Suns. With three triples on Wednesday, which tied his most as a Maverick, Bagley has now connected on a 3-pointer in six of his last seven games.

The Mavericks trailed by as many as 18 in the third quarter, but went on a fierce run in the fourth quarter thanks to a couple of key plays by Bagley and Poulakidas, who combined to score 43 points.

Bagley converted on his third and final 3-pointer of the night from an unfamiliar location. The Mavericks trailed by four with over 8 minutes left in the game when he launched a triple from the right corner with the Suns bench right behind him. The clutch shot followed a layup through contact, along with a one-handed putback slam that quieted fans at Mortgage Matchup Center.

Bagley finished with 20 points and eight rebounds in his third start since he was acquired by the Mavericks. He made 3 of his 6 attempts from beyond the arc, which he attributes to the time he spends on 3-point shooting.

The success from beyond the arc started early for Bagley.

Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks failed to switch on a screen by Bagley and Ryan Nembhard placed a perfect pass right into the hands of the Mavericks big man. He had ample space to settle into his shot and launch his first triple of the game. In the final minute of the second quarter, Cooper Flagg found Bagley in the same spot. Same result.

"Shooting shots that come to me," Bagley said. "I work on my shot. Just being able to go translate that and trust my work, taking whatever the defense gives me. Being able to pop and spread the floor, that helps the whole team space it. I have confidence in my shot so I don't hesitate when I shoot them."

The Mavericks turned what appeared to be a rough shooting night into a salvageable one, converting on 13 of 36 attempts from distance. Poulakidas led the way with a career-high 23 points off the bench with 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. Christie regained some of his shooting touch with 18 points on 4 of 9 from the arc. It was a bounce-back night after he went 0 of 5 from 3 in Tuesday's loss to the LA Clippers. Flagg struggled offensively and totaled 11 points, 12 rebounds and six assists on 4 of 19 from the field. He missed all four of his 3-point attempts.

Bagley came off the bench in Tuesday's loss to LA, but made a profound impact with 21 points and nine rebounds in his second game back from an impingement injury in his left shoulder. It was his third game with at least 20 points or more since he was acquired by the Mavericks in the midseason trade for Anthony Davis.

Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II are rim-rolling centers whose primary strengths include finishing around the basket.

All eyes were on Flagg, who entered the game listed as probable because of a left wrist sprain suffered in Tuesday's game against the Clippers. The Mavericks rookie couldn't find a rhythm, but he recorded his 33rd game this season with at least 10 points, five rebounds and five assists. He has more 10-5-5 games than the next two closest rookies, Derik Queen, 15; Kon Knueppel, 12, who are ironically his former teammates.

Bagley has the green light from his coaches to take as many 3-pointers that present themselves.

"Just let it fly with confidence. That's been my mindset since I got here," Bagley said. "The coaches have been telling me to shoot them and they want me to shoot them."

Welcome to your moment, Bagley.

X/Twitter: @MikeACurtis2