The Dallas Mavericks’ preseason opened abroad in Macao, China and concluded stateside in Dallas, Texas. The Mavericks split their two-game series against the Houston Rockets with a 135-117 loss and a 132-115 win. The Mavs returned home to Dallas, Texas to — lose 101-97 to the New Orleans Pelicans and — to the Atlanta Hawks. Read on to find out how the Mavs finished their preseason.
Dallas Mavericks’ Preseason Concludes Stateside
The Dallas Mavericks’ preseason concluded stateside with two home games against the New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks at the American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas. The Mavericks’ preseason objectives remained the same with reintegrating Kyrie Irving and developing Cooper Flagg and their NBA rookies.
The Mavericks dropped a 101-97 decision to the Pelicans on Wednesday. John Poulakidas led the Mavs with 16 points and three rebounds. Poulakidas’ productive performance, especially his three-point shooting, showed the Mavs why they needed to keep him on their roster.
Jeremiah Fears, who celebrated his 20th birthday, led a defensive-minded Pelicans squad past the Mavs. Fears finished with 16 points, three rebounds, and five assists. Fears’ preseason breakout could change the Pelicans’ backcourt plans in the near future.
The Mavericks suffered a blowout loss to the Hawks, 135-111, on Friday. Cooper Flagg led the Mavs with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Flagg delivered a standout performance entering his second NBA season. Flagg’s versatility, two-way impact, and defensive instincts speak volumes.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 25 points, three rebounds, and five assists. Alexander-Walker enters his seventh NBA season and second with the Red and Black. Alexander-Walker’s expected to maintain his scoring, offensive creation, and defensive impact.
Mavericks’ Preseason Performances
The Mavericks’ preseason performances showcased a rebuilt roster under May. Kyrie Irving’s return to the second Mavericks vs. Rockets matchup in Macao showed a vintage scoring performance with 17 points, along with two rebounds and three assists. Irving’s performance also showed chemistry-building potential.
Flagg showed elite jumbo playmaker versatility as he mixed pick-and-roll creation with off-ball cutting. Flagg’s sophomore leap is widely predicted to feature an ascension into the NBA All-Star conversation and in the NBA’s top 25 player rankings. He can become a contender for the Most Improved Player award barring injury.
Naji Marshall and Max Christie built a strong rhythm together as key wings for the Mavs. Marshall and Christie connected smoothly in transition, perimeter defensive sequences, and recent preseason matchups. They clearly showed chemistry on both ends of the floor.
In Case You Missed It
The Mavs revamped their organization from top to bottom during the offseason through front office hires, international draft acquisitions, and roster retools. The biggest storyline of the offseason was when they waived Klay Thompson for a contract buyout. Thompson signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Miami Heat.
Masai Ujiri was hired as team president, Dusty May was named head coach, and Mike Schmitz was brought in as a general manager. Morez Johnson Jr., Sergio de Larrea, Santi Aldama, Zaccharie Risacher, and Marcus Sasser were acquired. Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Moussa Cisse were re-signed.
But the Mavs’ primary goal is to bounce back from a 26-56 campaign and climb back into playoff contention. The Mavs can start by building cohesion around Flagg and Irving, alongside Lively II, Risacher, and PJ Washington, and improving their half-court offense with half-court offensive creation beyond transition play.
If the Mavs return to playoff contention, they should help the young roster by showing high-stakes basketball to them and accelerating their timeline under Ujiri and May. Previously, Dallas ranked 27th in half-court offense effectiveness, so Dallas should develop multiple offensive creators behind Irving to avoid being exposed.
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