On December 29, 2025, NBA games in late December can be full of surprises. Max Christie gave fans a big one that day. He scored a season-high 25 points for the Dallas Mavericks. They lost a close game 125-122 to the Portland Trail Blazers. The 22-year-old guard showed how much he matters for a team that has had a tough time. Even though Dallas kept fighting but couldn’t finish the comeback, Christie’s scoring kept them close and earned him plenty of praise in game recaps.
Max Christie has been steadily improving this season, and games like this are getting him noticed. He started with the Lakers and now has a bigger role in Dallas, showing he’s not just full of potential—he’s making an impact right now.
Max Christie’s Rise from Prospect to Contributor
Max Christie joined the NBA as a pick in 2022. He was picked 35th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers after a good year at Michigan State. He was a five-star recruit known for his shooting and long arms. He spent his first year learning from older players.
Early in his career, limited playing time helped him work on his defense and spot-up shooting. By the 2024-25 season, Christie had earned a spot in the rotation and started showing his ability to score in bunches.
The big trade in February 2025 sent him and Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Luka Doncic, and it changed everything for Christie. With more playing time, he adjusted quickly.
Now in his fourth year, Christie is averaging a career-best 11 points per game and shooting better from three. His progress has come from steady, hard work.
What Has Max Christie Trending This Week
Highlight Performances from Recent Games
- Season-high 25 points vs. Trail Blazers on Dec 29
- Efficient scoring, including key threes in comeback attempts
- Leading Mavericks in the absence of bigger names
- Consistent double-digit outings are building confidence.
The Mavericks lost to Portland 125122 despite making a comeback, but Christie was best for Dallas. He scored 25 and made tough shots, and had good space. Earlier games also had some sparks. In November, he averaged over 12 points. In December, he did well, but his team was bad.
Christie is 22, with big poise, on a 12-22 Mavericks team that has many players out or having to change roles after the trade. People who play fantasy or look up players are starting to see how often Christie uses the ball. This Blazers game was just a stretch of games that made people watch.
Skills Driving His Breakout
- The elite three-point shooting is over 45% this season.
- Improved playmaking and rebounding for a guard
- Defensive length disrupting wings.
- Clutch scoring in close games
These skills make him important to the team in ways that go beyond just scoring points.
Life After the Blockbuster Trade to Dallas
The February 2025 trade surprised everyone, sending Luka to Los Angeles and bringing Anthony Davis and Christie to Dallas. For Max, it was a big chance to prove himself.
Now a regular starter, he plays almost 30 minutes a game and helps the team on offense and defense. His teammates often talk about how hard he works.
Dallas’s tough season has hidden some of the individual progress on the team. Christie has made the most of open shots set up by the team’s stars. It took him a while to adjust, but lately he looks more comfortable and is embracing his role in Texas.
Max Christie’s Defensive Growth and Versatility
Known initially for shooting, Christie developed into a plus defender. At 6’5″ with long arms, he guards multiple positions.
Coaches often match him up against quick guards or wings, and his steals and defensive plays have increased each month. His ability to play both offense and defense makes coaches trust him in important moments. He learned the basics at Michigan State under Tom Izzo, and now he’s building on that in the NBA.
Defensive Highlights This Season
- Increased steals and blocks per game
- Strong on-ball pressure disrupting offenses
- Versatile switching in pick-and-rolls
- Positive plus-minus in key stretches
His balanced game makes him a great example of today’s modern guard.
Role in Mavericks’ Rebuild and Future
Dallas is moving forward after Luka, with Anthony Davis leading and young players like Christie helping out. Christie’s contract is team-friendly and gives the team some stability.
The team’s 12-22 record means there are challenges, but it also gives players like Christie a chance to grow and take on bigger rolesLooking ahead to 2026, things look promising for Christie. He could earn All-Defensive honors and keep improving as a scorer. At 22, he still has a lot of potential. Fans are starting to see that he could be a regular starter, and now he just needs to keep it up.
Max Christie’s Off-Court Presence and Roots
Christie has roots in Illinois and stays grounded. His family, especially his mom, Katrina from Northwestern, helped shape how he plays. His work in the community and his humble ways make him liked by many. On social media, he shows that he works hard.
He still keeps close ties to Michigan State, and Coach Izzo is proud of how far he has come. The alumni network celebrates his achievements. His humility drives his passion on the court, and Christie prefers to let his play do the talking.
Max Christie’s 25-point game against Portland shows how far he’s come. He’s young, talented, and on the rise. Even in a tough season for the Mavericks, he’s a player to watch. As Dallas rebuilds, Christie could become a leader in the backcourt. His mix of skill and determination is exciting for fans.
