Mavs 3-0: couldn´t have started better

For the first time since the 2004/05 season, Dallas has begun with this record. Only 3 NBA teams remain undefeated: Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, and Boston Celtics.

Night I

The Mavericks opened the season at the AT&T Center against the San Antonio Spurs. All the flashes pointed at Victor Wembanyama, as the french rookie was making his NBA debut. A good start is always a key point in order to gain confidence quickly and, in Dallas’s case, spook last season´s ghosts.

Jason Kidd picked a logical five to begin the match: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Derrick Jones Jr, Grant Williams, Maxi Kleber The night did not start with the right foot. The defense showed last year´s flaws and conceded 43 points in the first quarter. The Mavs were distracted at the rebounding and giving space and opportunities to the Spurs to shoot.

However, as the minutes went on, the team got good energy and felt better, particularly with Dereck Lively II on the court. The rookie had amazing minutes, great chemistry with Doncic, and ended the match with 16 points, 1 assist, and 10 rebounds, with 87.5% FG. He is the first rookie in over 40 seasons with 15/10 or more on 80 FG% in the season opener. But, I think, it was not only about the numbers: he gave the team the interior game that was lacking last season. Doncic defined Liveley´s debut as “f*ng amazing”. The world expected to see Wembanyama, however, they abandoned the stadium speaking about the other rookie.

Grant Willimas, who was wearing the Mavs jersey for the first time, gave a great first impression as well. 17 points, and a couple of 3Ps (4-8)  when the team most needed this kind of shooting. His presence was vital to defense also. 

And Doncic stole the night. He was on the flow. One more time. The first opening-night triple-double in Mavs history: 33 PTS, 13 REB, 10 AST. When the Spurs were capitalizing on the crowd´s energy and the score was close, the slovenian released his dagger and ended the match.

126-119 away. Good start.

Night II

The first one at the American Airlines Center. Against the Brooklyn Nets, a morbid match, for Irving facing his ex-teammates. Jones, Williams, Lively, Irving, Doncic, the five selected by Kidd to open the home season. Liveley´s night at San Antonio won him his first start. 

The initial half ended with the Nets up by 2, 57-55. The away guys had an incredible 3 Pts % and were harming the Mavs. Kyrie’s ineffectiveness was crucial as well. And Luka converted almost half of the Dallas points (20). 

The second half was really tied too. The score was even just up to the end of the match. And then Doncic appeared. One more time.When, again, his teammates needed him the most. The clock was ticking, just four seconds to shoot and he seemed to be locked up. But he managed to launch a bomb:  an absolutely amazing 3-pointer, with no space and a non-habitual throw. After Luka banged that shot, the Mavs gained a three-difference score with less than 26” left to play. Then, one extra double to set the 125-120 final outcome.

Luka Doncic led the Mavericks to another win, with 49 points and 10 rebounds. Another double-double to his statistics. Irving scored 17, and Hardaway Jr. stood up when the team needed him and contributed with 19.

Night III

Before it began, bad news spread around Memphis. Irving was not available for the game, as he had a left foot sprain. Kidd decided to give Green the responsibility to replace Kyrie. So the five starters were Jones, Williams, Lively, Green and Doncic. The first test for the team without one of the stars. Many to follow, for sure, so it was very important to see how the Mavs reacted to his absence.

The response was what expected. Teamwork was necessary to replace Irving´s contribution. Only Powell did not score, but was key on defense, as he grabbed five rebounds and blocked four times, the most for any Mavericks player. Doncic 35, Jones Jr. 22, and Hardaway Jr. 21 led the offense scorers. 

Grant Williams was impeccable on defense, he is one of the main reasons for the good results Dallas has collected in these three games. Doncic referred to Williams’s presence as key: “I think the best improvement is having Grant on the team. He can guard one through five, anybody, so he’s our leader on defense and we follow him”.

As said, Derrick Jones Jr. was a big factor for the second away win. He ended with 22 PTS and 4 REB. At the FedEx Forum, he got his 3rd most points in a game in his career.

Next matches

Tonight, the Mavericks will receive the Chicago Bulls. On Friday, they will face the NBA Champions, Denver Nuggets, away. To end the week, Dallas will host against the Hornets (Sunday). The game against the Nuggets will be tipping off the in-season tournament.