Dallas Mavericks forward Max Christie recently opened up about his goals for the rest of the 2025-2026 season, expressing a clear determination to enhance his contributions during the final 26 games. Speaking with Mark Medina from EssentiallySports, Christie touched on a variety of topics, including his absence from the three-point contest, his support for teammate Cooper Flagg’s Rookie of the Year candidacy, and the ongoing impact of Kyrie Irving’s leadership despite Irving missing the entire season due to injury. The focus remains on improving the Mavericks’ chances as the campaign advances, with Christie aiming to build on what has been his best season yet.
Christie Reflects on Personal Growth and Statistical Goals
In a detailed conversation with Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News, Christie highlighted his drive to finish the season stronger than ever. He emphasized that maintaining and improving his current shooting efficiency and scoring averages is a top priority. Averaging a career-high 13.3 points per game on impressive shooting splits of .469/.427/.871, Christie is intent on pushing these numbers even higher to benefit both himself and the team.
I just want to play better for the last 26 games than I did for the first 51,
said Christie.
He elaborated on his strategy to increase his offensive volume while carefully managing his shooting accuracy:
If you look at it from a statistical standpoint, if I could bump those (per-game) averages up a little bit, that would be successful for me. … 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.
Leadership and Team Dynamics Behind the Scenes
Despite being sidelined for the entire season, Kyrie Irving’s presence continues to resonate within the Mavericks’ locker room. Christie acknowledged the value of Irving’s leadership role behind the scenes, stating that his influence remains significant in guiding the team’s mindset and effort. This subtle yet powerful dynamic shows how the Mavericks are managing internal cohesion midseason. Additionally, Christie praised Cooper Flagg, underscoring his belief that Flagg deserves recognition for the Rookie of the Year.
Implications for the Mavericks’ Final Stretch
With 26 games left in the regular season, Max Christie’s focus on raising his season performance is a critical factor for Dallas as they aim to secure a strong playoff position. His ability to boost scoring and maintain efficiency could provide the Mavericks with the offensive spark they need. The commitment by players like Christie to continuous improvement reflects the team’s broader aspirations for success in this competitive NBA season.
Southwest Notes: Murray, McGowens, J. Smith, Christie https://t.co/fbwyD5qD7K
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 24, 2026
