In their first game of the season, the Dallas Mavericks showcased impressive potential with a victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The game was not only a testament to the Mavs’ new lineup but also highlighted the impact of Klay Thompson, who recently joined the team after a long tenure with the Golden State Warriors. Thompson, now part of the Mavericks’ “Big Three” alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, delivered an exceptional performance, helping to set a new franchise record for three-pointers in his debut.
Klay Thompson’s New Beginning
Coming into the game, many were skeptical about how Thompson would fit into the Mavericks’ system. After missing two full seasons due to injury and returning to a less impactful role with the Warriors, Klay’s move to Dallas seemed to signal a fresh start. In his debut, Thompson looked revitalized, shaking off early nerves to put up 22 points. His shooting was sharp, and he seemed comfortable in the Mavericks’ system, which emphasized ball movement and spacing—an environment that allowed him to thrive.
Thompson’s offseason move came after contentious contract negotiations with the Warriors, which appeared to drain his passion for the game. The Mavericks, offering a three-year, $50 million contract, provided him with a new home and a chance to regain his form. His performance in the opening game, despite any lingering pressure from the change, suggests that the move might have been just what he needed to get back into a confident rhythm.
Mavericks’ Offense and New Dynamics
The Mavericks’ offense operated efficiently despite a subpar shooting night from their stars. Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving combined for 27 missed shots, a rare occurrence for the duo. However, the team still managed to win by double digits, thanks in large part to Thompson’s shooting and the overall teamwork on display. It raises the tantalizing question: what will this team look like on a night when their top players are hitting their shots consistently?
The trio of Dončić, Irving, and Thompson presents a nightmare for opposing defenses. Trying to guard all three superstars at once forces teams into difficult decisions—too much defense leaves offensive gaps, and too little allows one of the three to dominate. Last season, the duo of Dončić and Irving was enough to take the Mavericks to the brink of success, and with Thompson in the mix, it could lift the team to even greater heights. The balance of offensive firepower will also help keep players fresh throughout the season, a key component in maintaining energy and performance as the games progress.
Victor Wembanyama’s Impact
The game against the Spurs also marked the NBA debut of highly anticipated rookie Victor Wembanyama. Despite being in rebuilding mode, the Spurs remain a dangerous team with Wembanyama on the court. His size and presence caused problems for nearly every player in the Dallas rotation, but the Mavericks handled the challenge well. Wembanyama, who is expected to be a transformative player in the league, struggled to find his rhythm against the Mavericks’ defense. The fact that Dallas could limit his impact bodes well for their ability to handle top-tier talent across the league.
Maxi Kleber and Derrick Lively’s Contributions
Two other key players made an impact in the Mavericks’ win, though their contributions didn’t necessarily show up in the traditional stat line. Maxi Kleber, in just 15 minutes of play, had a plus-minus of +18, grabbed four rebounds, and blocked one shot. He may not be a fan favorite, but Kleber’s ability to contribute in limited minutes was crucial to the team’s success. Derrick Lively, meanwhile, came off the bench and in 28 minutes, shot 6-for-8 from the field and collected 11 rebounds. His performance signals that he could be a valuable X-factor for the Mavericks this season. Lively’s ability to anchor the bench unit could be critical, especially in a long season where depth will be tested.
Looking Ahead: Championship Potential
The Mavericks’ culture and approach to the game are also worthy of note. Culture is an intangible quality that’s often difficult to measure but is crucial to success in the NBA. In the aftermath of their first win, it was clear that the Mavericks have built a strong team culture centered around Luka Dončić. This culture emphasizes sacrifice, teamwork, and resilience, traits that will serve them well over the course of the season.
Despite a few roster changes, the Mavericks have maintained the continuity and chemistry necessary to succeed. The new additions, including Thompson, seem to be meshing well with the team’s established core. It’s still early, and the season is long, but the Mavericks’ ability to play hard and fight through adversity was on full display in their second game of the season against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In that game, the Mavericks found themselves down by eight points midway through the third quarter, following a 10-0 run by the Timberwolves to start the second half. With their superstar Dončić banged up, and on the second night of a back-to-back, the Mavs could have easily packed it in. Instead, they fought back, showing the kind of resilience and grit that defines championship teams. Kyrie Irving led the charge with 35 points, while Dončić added a solid 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.
