Dallas Mavericks Fall to Detroit Pistons 122-110 in CDMX

The Dallas Mavericks opened a two-game road trip with an NBA Global game against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday. The Mavericks fell to the Pistons, 122-110, at Mexico City Arena. Dallas fell to 2-4, while Detroit improved to 4-2.

Playing in Mexico City was important to the Mavericks and the NBA. Saturday’s game marked Dallas’ eighth game in Mexico, where the NBA has played 33 games since 1992. That is more than any country outside of the United States and Canada. Mexico City’s G League team, the Capitanes, was added in 2021.

According to NBA Mexico Vice President and Managing Director Raul Zarraga, there are approximately 33 million fans in Mexico. That’s an increase from the estimated 19.7 fans in 2019 — the last time Dallas played at Mexico City Arena. The league’s Mexico’s Mexico City office opened in 2008.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons Starters

Saturday’s game didn’t come without controversy. Anthony Davis left Wednesday’s game with then-left lower leg soreness. Dallas confirmed on Friday that Davis, 32, sustained a low grade left calf strain and exited the game due to precautionary reasons.

The Mavericks filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. The City of Dallas already sided with the Mavericks’ claims, asserting the Stars breached their franchise agreement for moving their headquarters. Both teams have been sharing the American Airlines Center since its opening in 2001.

Dallas’ starting lineup featured Cooper Flagg, Max Christie, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Kyrie Irving (knee), Dante Exum (knee), Dereck Lively II (knee), and Davis (calf).

Detroit’s starting lineup featured Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duran. Detroit ruled out Jaden Ivey (knee) and Marcus Sasser (hip).

Mavericks vs. Pacers Recap

Saturday’s game was exciting from start to finish. Gafford, also known as “The Landlord,” made his season debut. Gafford, 27, earned his nickname for his exceptional defensive skills and ability to score at the rim.

Cunningham sent a message to the fans in Spanish. Cunningham, 24, said, “Hola, Mexico. Muchas gracias, porvenir. Mi Espanol poquito, pero amo a Mexico.” (Spanish to English: Hello, Mexico. Thanks a lot, to come. My Spanish is a little, but I love Mexico)

Both teams played in a balanced first quarter. Christie shined with a corner three-pointer, while Klay Thompson wowed the crowd with a three-pointer. Dallas settled for a 30-27 lead to end the first.

Both teams maintained their momentum in the second quarter. Dallas’ bench made an impact, outscoring Detroit’s. Detroit struggled at both ends of the court but appeared to regroup. Dwight Powell made a highlight reel-worthy dunk, while Tobias Harris attacked the rim for the two-handed slam. Dallas took a 61-59 lead into halftime.

Both teams picked up where they left off to start the second half. Gafford made a splash with an early tip-in. Cunningham sliced through the defense for a smooth bucket. Dallas took a 93-87 lead after three quarters.

Both teams played in a low-key fourth quarter that ultimately shifted in favor of Detroit. However, D’Angelo Russell stole the show with a 30-piece, while Isaiah Stewart stood out with a shot block at the rim. Detroit won 122-110 in regulation.

Final Thoughts

The Mavericks head to H-Town to take on the Houston Rockets on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on SCHN. The Pacers travel to Grind City to take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast