The Dallas Mavericks kicked off their preseason with an impressive performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder, securing a dominant 106-89 victory. This game highlighted the Mavericks’ size and depth, as they outmatched a Thunder team missing several key players.
Game Highlights and Key Performers
Max Christie was a standout performer for the Mavericks, finishing as the game’s high scorer. He contributed significantly during his 15 minutes on the court, scoring 12 points and remaining perfect from the free-throw line (6-of-6). Other notable contributions came from the Mavericks’ roster, which featured four players reaching double figures.
First Half: A Strong Start
- First Quarter: The Mavericks established a solid lead, finishing the first period with a 29-20 advantage.
- Free Throws: Dallas took full advantage of their size, earning 11 free-throw attempts in the first quarter alone.
- Second Quarter: The Mavericks expanded their lead to 66-40 at halftime, thanks in part to a series of aggressive plays and successful free throws.
Oklahoma City struggled to mount an offense, allowing the Mavericks to exploit their size advantage. Rookie Cooper Flagg made an immediate impact, driving to the basket and sinking two three-pointers during this period.
Second Half: Thunder’s Fightback
Dallas showcased their bench in the second half, with PJ Washington contributing early. As the game progressed, the Thunder began to chip away at a lead that reached 32 points at one stage. By the final minutes, Oklahoma City had narrowed the deficit to just six points.
Final Moments and Conclusion
Despite Oklahoma City’s resurgence, the Mavericks sealed their win with a 106-89 scoreline. Ryan Nembhard’s late basket provided essential breathing room for Dallas. The Mavericks demonstrated efficient free-throw shooting, a promising sign after finishing 24th in the NBA last season.
Head Coach Jason Kidd has the opportunity to experiment with various lineups, especially with players who can handle the ball and create plays. The preseason offers a chance for players like Max Christie to establish their roles on the team.
As the Mavericks prepare for the regular season, their preseason performance indicates strong potential, particularly in their ability to dominate with size and improve their shooting efficiency from the charity stripe.
