The Brooklyn Nets (6-18) went into the mini-break due to the NBA Cup having won three of his last four games so they came into Friday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks (10-16) feeling good about themselves. Brooklyn also was able to get healthier over the course of their break, but it wasn’t enough for them to get a win in Dallas against Anthony Davis and company.

The Nets lost to the Mavericks 119-111 despite the fact that forward Michael Porter Jr. continued his excellent play that could potentially get him into the All-Star Game. Porter had 34 points and four rebounds while rookie forward Danny Wolf had 17 points and seven rebounds coming off the bench for a Brooklyn team that needed someone to step up.

Advertisement

Mavericks center Anthony Davis has mostly kept in check through the first three quarters, but he turned his game up a notch in the fourth quarter, finishing with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks. Rookie forward Cooper Flagg didn’t disappoint either as he had 22 points and eight assists of his own. Here are three Nets takeaways from Friday’s loss at the Mavericks:

Michael Porter Jr. Continues Potential All-Star Bid

It’s no secret that Porter has been playing like one of the best players in the Eastern Conference, regardless of the fact that the Nets will probably be one of the worst teams in the league when this season is over. However, it will be interesting to see if he can continue playing this well as the Nets schedule gets harder prior to the All-Star break.

Rookie Danny Wolf Steps Up Off Bench

Wolf has arguably been playing like the best rookie on the team ever since he entered the rotation towards the end of November. With the Nets looking for players to step up alongside Porter and center Nic Claxton, Wolf has been there to do whatever the team needs him to do.

Advertisement

Terance Mann Provides All-Around Effort

After starting the season like one of the players that could have a bigger impact, Mann has settled into the role of being a defender and a facilitator as opposed to being a scorer. Mann finished Friday’s loss to the Mavericks with a good, all-around game with 12 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: 3 Nets takeaways from 119-111 loss at Anthony Davis, Mavericks