The Dallas Mavericks’ early-season instability has been sparking concern but shouldn’t come as a surprise. The new-look Mavericks were handed a tough schedule with little or no time to experiment.
As they revamp their identity, the Mavs’ rocky start was to be expected. The team’s injuries, including the most recent shoulder sprain suffered by Cooper Flagg, don’t help their cause. Here’s what you need to know about their struggles, wins, and how they can fuel their growth.
Dallas Mavericks Falter Late, Lose to San Antonio Spurs
The Dallas Mavericks failed to build on a one-game win streak in Saturday’s game against their in-state rival, San Antonio Spurs, at the American Airlines Center. Both teams played the second game of a back-to-back set.
The Mavericks had no choice but to turn their attention to Naji Marshall and Max Christie, who needed to step up their scoring and perimeter defense during Cooper Flagg’s injury absence. The Spurs prioritized taking control of the perimeter and turnover battle, along with slowing down Kyrie Irving’s shot creation.
Both teams got off to a strong start as San Antonio outscored Dallas 39-37 in the first quarter. The Mavs picked up the pace in the second quarter but trailed the Spurs 68-60 at the half. The team made it rain with a flurry of three-pointers but still trailed the Spurs 92-89 after three quarters.
The Mavs suffered a fourth-quarter collapse and lost to the Spurs 122-106. Dallas fell to 1-2, while San Antonio improved to 1-2. The Mavs’ starters of Marshall, Christie, Zaccharie Risacher, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford combined for just 50 total points, which forced the team to rely on their bench production. In addition, Dallas committed 18 turnovers and allowed 64 points in the paint.
The Mavs’ bright spot was in Sergio de Larrea, who provided a spark off the bench and ultimately led the team with 21 points, five rebounds, and four assists. The Mavs generated a large amount of rim pressure early on and scored 46 points in the paint in the first half — a franchise-high since the play-by-play era began in 1997-98.
Daniel Gafford contributed to the Mavs’ frontcourt presence with 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while the team managed six total blocks and eight offensive rebounds.
Dallas Mavericks Hold Off Miami Heat
The Dallas Mavericks hit the road to take on former Maverick, Klay Thompson, and the new-look Miami Heat at the Kaseya Center on Monday, October 26. Entering Monday’s game, Dallas looked to snap a two-game losing streak, while Miami simply searched for their first win of the season.
The Mavericks’ starters of Kyrie Irving, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford attracted a mixed bag of emotions. Flagg’s return from a mild left shoulder strain was gave the Mavericks a much-needed boost. The team’s decision to start Christie was met with criticism due to his slow start to the season.
Both teams played in a high-energy first quarter, with Miami leading Dallas 27-23. The Mavs maintained momentum in the second quarter, taking a 53-52 lead over the Heat at halftime.
The Mavs’ defensive rebounding was terrible in the third quarter, but there was a bright spot in Walter Clayton Jr., who excelled in ball handling and three-point shooting. Clayton Jr. signed a two-way contract with the Mavs on October 21. The Heat took an 84-83 lead over the Mavs after three quarters.
The game remained close as Dallas picked up the pace, outscoring Miami 30-25 in regulation. The Heat’s late push kept the game close, but Dallas held on to win 113-109. Cooper Flagg tied his career-highs in both assists and steals, becoming the first teenager in NBA history to record at least 25 points, 10 assists, five rebounds, and five steals in a single game. Flagg led the Mavs with 29 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists.
Dallas Mavericks Upset Oklahoma City Thunder
The Dallas Mavericks returned home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder in the American Airlines Center on Wednesday, October 28. The Mavericks searched for a two-game win streak, while the Thunder came in hot with a four-game win streak. The Thunder had a chance to become the first team in NBA history to start 5-0 for three straight seasons.
Both teams featured star players. Cooper Flagg, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, faced off against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP. The Mavs’ starters of Kyrie Irving, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford had potential on both ends of the court.
Both teams played in a high-energy first quarter, with Dallas leading Oklahoma City 33-30. The Mavs maintained momentum in the second quarter, taking a 65-59 lead over the Thunder at halftime.
The Mavs’ momentum continued in the second half as Dallas outscored Oklahoma City 29-22 in the third quarter and 26-15 in the fourth quarter, respectively. The Mavs defeated the Thunder 120-96, extending their win streak to two games.
Cooper Flagg led the Mavs with 26 points, five rebounds, and eight assists. In addition, Dallas’ defense, pace, and ball movement appeared to be solid. The Mavs’ win displayed an all-around good effort — an important step that must be maintained moving forward.
Next Steps
The Mavericks’ next steps in the next two home games, an NBA Cup Group Stage game against the Houston Rockets on Friday, October 30 and a regular season game against the Sacramento Kings on Monday, November 2, include navigating injuries, dealing with a forward-heavy roster imbalance, and finding consistent three-point shooting. Both games are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
