Mavericks' Ferrell hits 9 3-pointers in unexpected offensive outburst
It could have been an anomaly, or just a flash-in-the-pan performance, but on this night at Moda Center, guard Yogi Ferrell of the Dallas Mavericks was the darling of the National Basketball Association.
Ferrell - currently working under a 10-day contract after spending time in the D-League with the Long Island Nets - was in the zone from behind the arc Friday, accounting for nine of the Mavericks' 17 treys on just 11 attempts.
He ended up with a career-high 32 points - 22 coming in the first half - in 39 minutes of action, guiding Dallas to a hotly contested 108-104 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
After his big first half, Ferrell saved his best for last. With the Mavericks ahead by one with 19.3 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, he drilled his ninth 3-pointer of the contest, giving Dallas a 105-101 lead.
Ferrell even treated fans to a Michael Jordan-esque shrug following one of his many makes from long range.
Yogi Ferrell of all people with the Michael Jordan shrug pic.twitter.com/kGP99NApyv
— AP (@Ananth_Pandian) February 4, 2017
The 23-year-old Indiana product has taken advantage of a hefty dose of playing time in a backcourt utterly decimated by injuries. In three starts prior to facing Portland (all wins), Ferrell was averaging 13 points, five assists, and 2.3 steals in 37 minutes.
Owner Mark Cuban told reporters earlier in the day that Ferrell will likely receive a second 10-day contract, although the final decision will be left in the hands of head coach Rick Carlisle and general manager Donnie Nelson, according to the Star Telegram's Dwain Price. Should Ferrell receive one, the Mavericks would need to either ink him for the remainder of the campaign or waive him afterward.
After a night like this - paired with Dallas' recent success - it's hard to imagine Ferrell heading back to the D-League any time soon.