The 2025-26 NBA season’s international games kicked off with excitement as the Dallas Mavericks faced off against the Detroit Pistons in Mexico City. The matchup featured two recent No. 1 draft picks: Cooper Flagg of the Mavericks and Cade Cunningham of the Pistons.
NBA Mexico City Game: Highlights and Key Players
Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks, contributing significantly after recording his second career double-double. The young player showcased his skill and potential to a growing audience in Mexico. The Mavericks entered the game with a 2-3 record, while the Pistons were slightly ahead at 3-2, buoyed by the impressive performances of Cade Cunningham, who scored 30 points and provided 10 assists in his last game.
NBA’s Rich History in Mexico
This year marks the 34th overall NBA game held in Mexico City and the 15th regular-season game. The league’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Mexico highlights the growing popularity of basketball in the country. Raul Zarraga, NBA Mexico’s vice president, emphasized the significance of this engagement, stating that basketball’s momentum in Mexico is at its peak.
- Last Year’s Game: The Miami Heat defeated the Washington Wizards by 20 points.
- Notable Performance: Trae Young scored 41 points to lead the Atlanta Hawks to victory over the Orlando Magic, 120-119.
- Pioneering Matchup: Dallas Mavericks participated in the inaugural regular-season game in 1997 against the Houston Rockets.
Special Events: Día de Muertos
This game coincided with Día de Muertos, a significant cultural celebration in Mexico. The basketball court featured a unique design commemorating this festive occasion, reflecting the NBA’s dedication to honoring local traditions.
Broadcast and Telecast Details
The matchup was set to be broadcast on Peacock and Universo, starting at 10 p.m. ET. This event is part of a new media rights deal, which involves NBC and Peacock airing 100 games this season. The broadcast team included Mark Followill for play-by-play, alongside Hall of Famer Grant Hill and sideline reporter Ashley ShahAhmadi.
Team Performance and Player Stats
As of this matchup, seven Pistons players were averaging double-digit points, with Cade Cunningham leading at 22.2 points per game, albeit with a shooting percentage of 39.6%. Meanwhile, Jalen Duren stood out on defense, promising a bright future with averages of 14.8 points and 1.6 blocks per game.
The Mavericks, under head coach Jason Kidd, were navigating an interesting phase. Despite earlier challenges, including the trade of Luka Dončić, hopes were high with Flagg and fellow rookie Dereck Lively II leading the younger roster alongside seasoned players like D’Angelo Russell. However, the team faced struggles completing three-point shots, hitting just 31.9% of their attempts.
Upcoming International Games
Following the Mavericks vs. Pistons game, two more NBA Global Games are scheduled:
- Memphis Grizzlies vs. Orlando Magic
- Dates:
- January 15 in Berlin at 2 p.m. ET
- January 18 in London at noon ET
These events underscore the NBA’s dedication to global outreach and engagement with international fans. The thrill of international basketball continues to blossom, promising an exciting future for the sport.
