Scoring nine points and pulling down 10 rebounds off the bench during Saturday’s 96-83 victory over New Orleans, Noel made the most of his 29 minutes of reserve work. The former No. 6 overall pick in the 2013 draft also showed why he was so coveted in a trade with Philadelphia by the Dallas front office at the trade deadline, integrating himself quickly into Mavs coach Rick Carlisle’s system. More importantly, Noel helped to lead the Mavericks to a much-needed win to remain afloat in the ever-changing Western Conference playoff picture, hoping to pick up where he left off at Monday night against the Heat (27-32).
Game 59: Mavs vs. Heat
