‘Getting Downhill, Making Good Decisions’: How Brandon Williams’ Speed Is Transforming Dallas Mavericks’ Offense Next To Cooper Flagg

Before the Dallas Mavericks pushed their way to a 138–133 overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers, before Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington delivered the late-game plays that sealed it, the backbone of the offense belonged to a guard who wasn’t even guaranteed rotation minutes weeks ago.

Brandon Williams, thrust into a major role with Kyrie Irving, Danté Exum, and Ryan Nembhard sidelined, has become the unexpected engine of Dallas’ offense. Against Portland, he finished with 15 points, six assists, three rebounds, and a steal, marking his third straight game with at least five assists — the second-longest such stretch of his career. But beyond the numbers, the Mavericks are discovering that his pace is shaping how the entire team plays.

Across 12 games, Williams has averaged 10.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. But as a starter, he has taken an unmistakable leap — delivering 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.8 steals in 28.8 minutes while steering an injury-depleted guard rotation with surprising poise.

He has struggled from deep (8.3% on threes), yet he has compensated by relentlessly attacking the paint. Williams is shooting 53.1% on two-pointers and 87.5% at the free-throw line on 6.0 attempts per game, consistently using his speed to collapse defenses and create advantages in early offense.

What Dallas is discovering is that Williams isn’t just an emergency fill-in — he’s become a pace-setter. And right now, he’s the one dictating flow.

A Pace-Shifter in an Injury-Depleted Dallas Mavericks Backcourt

With Irving, Exum, and Ryan Nembhard still out, Kidd said Williams has brought an element Dallas desperately needs.

“Speed,” Kidd said. “He’s learning the game and learning on the fly how to set the table for others. The speed he brings keeps our pace high. The pick-and-roll with him and Cooper Flagg at the end is something we need to look at more.”

The numbers support Kidd’s impression. Dallas plays noticeably faster with Williams on the floor, and his north-south aggression has helped keep the offense functional while the roster remains short-handed.

Williams said his offseason was built around sharpening that strength.

“Just trying to be as aggressive as possible, using my speed to my advantage and making plays for everybody,” Williams said. “This offseason I spent a lot of time watching film where I can get better. Relying on guys like Kyrie, obviously J-Kidd — Hall of Famers at the guard position.”

Williams said becoming a student of the game has been a priority.

“Kyrie always says be a student of the game,” Williams said. “That was one of the bigger emphases coming out of the season last year — to watch film, call Kyrie and see what different things he sees on the court. And just watching older players as well. Just mold my game.”

He has studied Kevin Johnson tape — something he laughed about when asked how he was old enough to watch him.

“They had VHS tapes,” Williams said. “J-Kidd and Beenie put me on this summer, so I’ve been tapped in.”

That film study has affected both ends.

“Defensively, I saw different things I could be more aggressive at,” he said. “Using my speed not only offensively, but defensively as well. My natural instincts. Knowing my size, people are going to try to take advantage of that, so it’s about playing my game.”

A Growing Partnership With Cooper Flagg

Perhaps the most unexpected development of Dallas’ early season is the chemistry between Williams and rookie forward Cooper Flagg. Their two-man game has become Dallas’ most reliable late-clock option, with Williams’ speed and Flagg’s size complementing each other perfectly.

Flagg said the connection comes naturally.

“Brandon Williams has been incredible,” Flagg said. “High energy, so quick, uses his speed to get downhill and find guys. Our chemistry in the two-man game late in games has been really good.”

Williams has been equally impressed with how Flagg has handled the first month of his NBA career.

“Just how he’s handling everything,” Williams said. “A lot’s been going on the last couple days, last couple games. His professionalism. He’s composed. And we have his back no matter what.”

He also pointed to Flagg’s defensive versatility.

“That’s what we lean on him for — not only offensively,” Williams said. “Guarding the best player, making sure we get blocks, key plays. The other night he was guarding Giannis — stuff like that goes a long way.”

Williams said part of his job as starting point guard is putting Flagg in the right positions and maintaining a tempo that maximizes the rookie’s strengths.

“It’s a different role than coming off the bench,” Williams said. “Starting, I really set the tempo and all that. It’s a different responsibility for sure.”

Creating Structure While Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis Heal

Dallas’ offense was not designed to operate without Irving and Davis for extended stretches, but Williams’ emergence has helped patch the system together while the team waits for reinforcements.

P.J. Washington said Williams has been essential in stabilizing Dallas’ pace and early offense.

“Really good,” Washington said. “Getting downhill, getting into the paint, making good decisions, finishing, kicking out, pushing pace. He has to keep playing that way.”

Williams said the Mavericks are eager to get their stars back, but the responsibility hasn’t changed.

“We’re looking forward to it,” Williams said. “Those guys are getting healthy and we can’t wait ’til they come back.”

Until then, Williams has embraced the opportunity to lead.

“It is a privilege to start in this league,” Williams said earlier this month. “Just being aggressive, taking the defensive game, setting the tempo — that’s the responsibility.”

Dallas has needed a guard who can force tempo, keep the ball moving, and generate advantages without hesitation. Williams has done all of that — and more — while growing into a role he didn’t expect this quickly.

His pace is reshaping the offense. His confidence is reshaping his career. As the Mavericks wait for their roster to heal, Brandon Williams is giving them the foundation they needed to stay afloat.

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