D’Angelo Russell reflects on the Nets’ loss to the Mavericks and the futures of Luka Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr.

The Nets took a hard loss against the Mavericks by 119-113. It was only the second time this season that they’ve played back-to-back games without an off day. D’Angelo Russell has seen better nights, as he finished with 17 points and was just 6 of 18 from the field.

“Honestly it’s the NBA,” said Russell. “So as far as scheduling goes, something (that) you can’t control; something you shouldn’t dwell on. We try to prepare as (the) best we can and show up, and compete for these games. Schedule’s out of my hands.”

It was also Russell’s first time this season playing against rookie Luka Doncic, along with Dennis Smith Jr.

“He’s (Doncic) good man,” said Russell. “I think he really doesn’t have any flaws in his games offensively. Good to the rim, good shooter, a nice touch on passing. He’s bigger than I expected as well too, I think he’s going to be a real good player.”

Smith is in his second year with the Mavericks after they selected him with the 9th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft.

“He’s (Smith) well beyond his year as well,” said Russell. “I think them two playing together, (Doncic and Smith), they got a nice future.”