Morez Johnson Jr. wasn’t in peak physical condition entering his rookie season after battling shin splints in training camp, but the former Michigan standout showed why the Mavericks drafted him No. 9 overall during an impressive two-way performance on Friday, writes Christian Clark of The Athletic (free link).

Johnson pulled down a career-high 17 rebounds, including 10 on the offensive glass, after recording six or fewer boards in his first eight NBA appearances. The 20-year-old big man also had 13 points (on 5-of-8 shooting), one steal and one block and was plus-20 in 24 minutes during the Mavericks’ 12-point victory.

The highlight of Johnson’s performance was a one-handed lob dunk in transition (Twitter video link).

“I’m back, man,” Johnson said with a smile (YouTube link via Dallas Sports Journal). “I’m right here. See that lob? I wasn’t doing that two weeks ago.”

According to Clark, head coach Dusty May acknowledged that Johnson has been “frustrated” by his slow start, but both believe he’s past his shin issue.

“I think he’s relieved to get back in the flow of playing,” May said. “He has to continue to take care of his body, but he looks great. This is the guy who I think we’ll see regularly.”

Here’s more from the Southwest:

• Victor Wembanyama’s teammates and head coach lauded the star center for the way he takes care of his body after his 52-point, 24-rebound, eight-block game on Wednesday, writes Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News. The Spurs big man has been playing through an illness and also rolled his ankle in the fourth quarter of the win over Dallas after stepping on Walter Clayton’s foot. “He’s Superman,” guard Dylan Harper said. “He rolls his ankle and pops right up and acts like nothing happened. I’ve never seen nothing like that, but that’s just a testament to how he takes care of his body, how he focuses on his mobility, treatment, all that. So he’s able to do things like that.” Head coach Mitch Johnson said the Spurs focus on an individual’s health and wellness as soon as they acquire a player, per Orsborn. San Antonio improved to 7-2 following Friday’s win at Sacramento.
• In a lengthy Q&A with Marc J. Spears of Andscape, new Pelicans head coach Jamahl Mosley discusses time with the Magic, including being fired by Orlando in May, and why he decided to join New Orleans after “flirting” with the idea of taking a year off from coaching. Mosley also talks about building rapport with players, particularly Zion Williamson, and what it would mean to help the Pelicans get back on a winning track. The Pelicans are currently 4-5 after starting the season with an 0-4 record.
• The Rockets assigned second-round pick Bruce Thornton to their G League affiliate on Friday ahead of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers’ season opener, as Larchard Binkley of TheDreamShake.com relays (via Twitter). The ex-Ohio State star has been out of Houston’s rotation thus far in 2026/27.