Career-High 46 Points! Did the Mavericks Make Another Trade Blunder?

A Wild Game, a Stunning Performance

The Philadelphia 76ers fell in a 137-144 overtime thriller against the Houston Rockets, but the story of the night wasn’t the loss—it was Quentin Grimes’ breakout performance.

With Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George all sidelined, the Sixers had no choice but to lean on Grimes, and he delivered a masterpiece:

• 43 minutes

  

• 46 points (15/27 FG, 8/14 3PT, 8/13 FT)

• 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals

• 32 second-half points, including 17 in the fourth quarter and all 6 of the Sixers' overtime points

It was a historic performance:

• First player in Sixers history with 45+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ threes in a game.

• First Sixer ever with 45 points and 8 threes in a single game.

Not even Allen Iverson, Embiid, or Maxey have hit those marks.

Grimes wasn’t just hot in this game—he’s been on fire for weeks.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Grimes Is on a Tear

In his last five games, Grimes has been playing at an All-Star level:

• 32.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2.4 SPG

• 52.3% FG, 42.9% 3PT, 76.9% FT

• 4th in the NBA in scoring during this stretch

Here’s what he’s done game-by-game:

• Vs. Mavericks: 28 PTS, 6 AST, 2 STL

• Vs. Raptors: 29 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK

• Vs. Hawks: 35 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL

• Vs. Jazz: 25 PTS, 6 AST, 2 STL

• Vs. Rockets: 46 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL

And this isn’t just a random hot streak—Grimes has been putting up great numbers since being traded to Philadelphia:

• 17 games

• 21.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.5 SPG

• 51.0% FG, 39.3% 3PT, 71.4% FT, 62.4% TS

For reference, Paul George, who has played 41 games for the Sixers, has yet to score 35+ points even once. Grimes has done it three times in March alone—plus two 40+ point performances.

Even Tobias Harris, who spent five and a half seasons in Philly (378 games total), only had three games with 35+ points and never once cracked 40 points.

Simply put: Grimes is doing things that high-profile Sixers stars never did.

Did Dallas Make a Huge Mistake?

Before arriving in Philadelphia, Grimes was already showing signs of growth in Dallas:

• 47 games played

• 22.8 MPG, 10.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.1 APG

• 46.3% FG, 39.8% 3PT, 59.9% TS

Despite his efficiency, the Mavericks sent him to Philly at the deadline—and even added a second-round pick—in exchange for an injured Caleb Martin.

At the time, Dallas GM Nico Harrison justified the move by saying:

1. The Mavericks wanted to develop Max Christie, who they acquired in the Luka Dončić trade, and felt Grimes was redundant.

2. Grimes was playing too well, meaning he might command a big contract in free agency—something Dallas wanted to avoid.

So there was some logic behind the trade.

But here’s the problem:

• Why give up a young, improving player—and throw in a second-round pick—just to clear space for a rookie?

• Why trade for an injured player when you claimed you were trying to “win now”?

• If Grimes was playing well, wouldn’t keeping him make the Mavericks better?

Ever since the Dončić trade, Harrison’s moves haven’t made sense, and this might be another misstep.

Meanwhile, the Sixers are laughing all the way to the bank.

Grimes’ Journey: A Star Finally Emerging

Grimes was originally drafted by the New York Knicks, where he showed flashes of potential. But when Jalen Brunson arrived, Grimes’ role diminished.

• Traded to the Detroit Pistons, but was never given a real chance.

• Moved to Dallas, where he was solid but underutilized.

• Now in Philadelphia, he’s thriving.

Sometimes, all a player needs is the right situation—and Grimes is proving that now.

What’s Next? A Big Payday?

If Grimes keeps up this level of play, he’s going to command a serious contract this summer.

• He’s proving he can score at an elite level.

• He plays tough defense and can create his own shot.

• He fits the modern NBA as a 3-and-D wing with more upside.

For now, he’s making the Sixers look smart and the Mavericks look foolish.

Dallas might have just made another major mistake—and Grimes is making sure they regret it every single night.