The Dallas Mavericks kicked off the season with a 120-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, powered by Luka Doncic’s 28 points and Klay Thompson’s impressive debut (22 points on six made threes). The game started sluggishly, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm on offense, resulting in a low-scoring, scrappy contest early on. Doncic, who sat out the preseason, appeared particularly out of sync, shooting just 4-of-14 from the floor and missing all five of his attempts from beyond the arc in the first half. Despite the Mavericks’ offensive woes, the Spurs held a narrow 49-47 advantage going into halftime.
However, the tide turned after the break. The Mavericks found their groove, knocking down shots and showing why they made the NBA Finals last season. They built a substantial lead, and despite the Spurs’ late comeback, the game ended with an 11-point difference. Let’s analyze the performances of every Mavericks player and give them a grade for their opening performance of the 2024-25 season.
Luka Doncic: A
Stats: 28 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 9-25 FG, 4-11 3-PT FG, 36 mins
Luka Doncic had a rough start to the season opener, struggling to find his shot and looking somewhat rusty after missing the preseason. Despite shooting only 9-of-25 from the field, Luka’s impact was undeniable, as he stuffed the stat sheet with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. His shooting improved in the second half, helping to guide the Mavericks to a much-needed scoring burst. Additionally, his presence on both ends of the floor, including a steal and a block, kept the momentum swinging in Dallas’s favor. Luka’s near triple-double showcased his resilience and ability to lead even when not at his sharpest.
Klay Thompson: A
Stats: 22 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 0 blocks, 7-13 FG, 6-10 3-PT FG, 26 mins
Klay Thompson’s debut for the Mavericks was highly anticipated, and he didn’t disappoint, posting 22 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. Klay was lethal from beyond the arc, connecting on six of his ten three-point attempts, providing crucial spacing that opened up Dallas’s offense. His three steals further highlighted his defensive awareness, adding a spark that the Mavericks could rely on when the game became scrappy. Klay’s combination of efficient scoring and defensive play energized the team and fans, making his debut a memorable one.
Dereck Lively II: A
Stats: 15 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 6-8 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 28 mins
Dereck Lively II has continued to show improvement, recording a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Lively was incredibly efficient, shooting 6-of-8 from the field and showing excellent timing on his cuts and put-backs. His presence on the boards and ability to pass effectively (adding 6 assists) showcased his versatility and IQ for a second year player. His hustle and energy helped the Mavericks control the paint, and his early success bodes well for the team’s interior play moving forward.
Kyrie Irving: B
Stats: 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 6-17 FG, 3-7 3-PT FG, 27 mins
Kyrie Irving had a mixed performance, contributing 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, but struggled with his shooting efficiency, going 6-of-17 from the field. While not his most accurate game, Kyrie’s presence as a secondary scorer was still valuable, especially in stretches where Doncic rested. His two steals and a block demonstrated his defensive efforts, but he’ll likely be looking to refine his shot selection and accuracy in upcoming games to become a more consistent scoring threat.
Jaden Hardy: B
Stats: 11 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 3-6 FG, 3-5 3-PT FG, 20 mins
Jaden Hardy provided a valuable spark off the bench, putting up 11 points on an efficient 3-of-6 shooting, including three made three-pointers. His scoring punch came at a crucial time, helping to maintain the Mavericks’ lead while the starters rested. Though his impact was limited in other areas, Hardy’s scoring versatility and quick release gave the Mavericks an added weapon, hinting at his potential to be a valuable rotational piece this season.
P.J. Washington: B
Stats: 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 4-11 FG, 2-7 3-PT FG, 26 mins
P.J. Washington contributed across the board with 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, although he struggled with his shooting, finishing 4-of-11 from the field. Despite his shooting inconsistency, Washington’s ability to compete on the boards and space the floor with two three-pointers gave Dallas flexibility in their lineups. His defensive work, including a steal, made him an important piece in limiting San Antonio’s runs and solidifying Dallas’s hold on the game.
Daniel Gafford: B
Stats: 9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 3-6 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 19 mins
Daniel Gafford was steady in his role, tallying 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists on efficient 3-of-6 shooting. His inside presence and rim protection were felt, and his activity on the boards helped the Mavericks secure extra possessions. Gafford’s hustle on defense, adding a steal and a block, was key in containing the Spurs’ big men, making him a reliable contributor in his minutes on the floor.
Naji Marshall: C
Stats: 2 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1-6 FG, 0-2 3-PT FG, 21 mins
Naji Marshall struggled to make a significant impact offensively, scoring just 2 points on 1-of-6 shooting. However, his 3 assists showed his willingness to keep the ball moving. Marshall’s offensive struggles prevented him from fully capitalizing on his minutes, but his defensive energy and movement kept him active within the flow of the game. Moving forward, Marshall will aim to improve his shooting to offer a more balanced contribution.
Quentin Grimes: C
Stats: 2 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1-6 FG, 0-1 3-PT FG, 15 mins
Quentin Grimes had a quiet night, scoring only 2 points without contributing in rebounds, assists, or steals. His lone field goal came from inside the arc, and he attempted just one three-pointer. Grimes wasn’t heavily involved in the offense, and his defensive presence wasn’t a significant factor in this game. However, his role could expand with more efficient shooting and defensive activity in future games.
Maxi Kleber: C
Stats: 3 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 1 block, 1-3 FG, 1-1 3-PT FG, 15 mins
Maxi Kleber played limited minutes but made the most of his opportunities, scoring 3 points and grabbing 4 rebounds. He knocked down a three-pointer and registered a block, showing his ability to impact the game as a stretch big and shot-blocker. While his contributions were modest, Kleber’s effort and hustle added depth to the Mavericks’ frontcourt.
Spencer Dinwiddie: N/A
Stats: 0 points, 1 rebound, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 3 mins
Dinwiddie played only 3 minutes, logging a single rebound without attempting any shots. Given his limited playing time, gauging his performance is challenging, though he’ll likely see a more substantial role in future games.
Dwight Powell: N/A
Stats: 2 points, 1 rebound, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1-1 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 2 mins
Dwight Powell saw the court for only 2 minutes, scoring 2 points and grabbing a rebound. His short stint didn’t offer much insight into his game but allowed him to ease into the season. Powell’s energy and athleticism could play a larger role with more minutes.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper: N/A
Stats: 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 2 mins
Olivier-Maxence Prosper played 2 minutes, not registering any significant stats. His role in this game was brief, and he’ll likely look forward to more playing time to showcase his skills as the season progresses.
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