Max Christie delivered a standout performance Sunday as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Indiana Pacers 134-130 in Indianapolis, ending a 10-game losing streak. Returning from a left ankle sprain, Christie contributed 16 points and showcased his evolving confidence, particularly through his three-point shooting, which highlights the progress he’s made during this career-best season.
Christie’s Energetic Celebrations Mark a New Side of His Game
Despite his typically reserved demeanor on the court, Christie expressed his excitement with animated celebrations after making two three-pointers during the game. Following his first triple in the opening quarter—over Pacers center Jay Huff—he covered his eyes and flashed the three-point gesture toward Mavericks assistant coach Mike Penberthy. He repeated the gesture after a second three-pointer in the third quarter, a move he admitted was inspired by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland’s similar celebration earlier in the week.
“It was just kind of funny, Mike P. and I looked at each other and kind of just decided we’re gonna do a rendition of that. So yeah, I hit two 3s yesterday, did it twice and then hopefully I can hit more and continue to do it.”
?Max Christie, Mavericks Guard
Statistical Milestones Highlight Christie’s Growth This Season
This season, Christie is experiencing the best output of his four-year NBA career. He is averaging career highs in points (13.3 per game), rebounds (3.4), assists (2.3), field goal percentage (46.9%), and 3-point percentage (42.7%). His increased production is a significant boost for the Mavericks, especially after being acquired midseason last year from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Christie himself aims to elevate his play even further in the remaining 26 games of the regular season. He has raised his shot attempts to a career-high 9.7 per game, including 5.7 attempts from beyond the arc, and expressed his intention to increase his offensive volume while maintaining solid efficiency.
“I just want to play better for the last 26 games than I did for the first 51. If you look at it from a statistical standpoint, if I could bump those averages up a little bit, that would be successful for me.”
?Max Christie, Mavericks Guard
“I’ve been shooting it well from the two and the three, but I think if I’m willing to sacrifice a little bit of percentage for volume, I think that can be a good building block for me. Obviously, not going crazy but just looking to try and improve.”
?Max Christie, Mavericks Guard
Mavericks Face Playoff Challenges but Christie’s Focus Remains Strong
The Mavericks currently trail the Los Angeles Clippers by 6.5 games for the final play-in tournament spot, making a postseason appearance unlikely this year. Nonetheless, Christie’s determination to finish the season strong remains firm, resisting the common urge among players to coast into the offseason.
“I think a lot of people and guys around this time of year just want to get to the offseason, but I want to try to have a different approach.”
?Max Christie, Mavericks Guard
Christie’s steady development as both a scorer and a 3-point threat offers the Mavericks hope as they look toward rebuilding in the coming seasons. His resilience and ambition to improve even amid a tough team situation underscore his growing role in Dallas’ future plans.
A prime delivery 👌
Winning Play of the Game presented by @ChoctawCasinos. #MFFL pic.twitter.com/4woFGfoJwA
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 23, 2026
