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3 takeaways from the Mavericks' season-opening win over the Spurs

Posted on by Kennedy
3 takeaways from the Mavericks' season-opening win over the Spurs

The Dallas Mavericks picked up their first win of the season on Thursday night, beating their in-state rival San Antonio Spurs 120-109. The offense started sloppy but picked up steam in the second half after a flurry of three-pointers from Klay Thompson, who set a franchise record for most three-pointers in his debut.

It's still early in the season but starting with a win is always nice. It is the first time that the team is playing together at (basically) full strength, as Luka Doncic and Maxi Kleber were not used at all in the preseason. Some of the rust showed early, but they overcame it and put on a show.

Here are three takeaways from Thursday night's win over San Antonio.

READ MORE: Klay Thompson makes history in Mavericks debut

Luka Donci

Oct. 24, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) attempts a jump shot as San Antonio Spurs center Charles Bassey (28) and guard Stephon Castle (5) look on during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic didn't play well, shooting just 9/25 from the floor and turning the ball over four times. He also had 28 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists and got anywhere he wanted on the court. He was clearly trying to get his legs back under him after missing all of preseason. Because of Klay Thompson's spacing, it can be difficult to defend this offense with Doncic at the helm.

Luka Doncic and Klay Thompson

Oct. 24, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) and guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrate during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Remember how NBA fans overreacted to Thompson's struggles in last year's play-in game and this year's preseason and said he was washed up? About it. All Thompson managed in his debut was score 22 points, shoot 6/10 from three-point range and grab seven rebounds. Oh, and three thefts to silence the defense critics. Those six three-pointers were the most ever made by a Maverick in his debut. Not too shabby.

Dereck Lively II and Harrison Barne

Oct. 24, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) goes for a shot over Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) in the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dereck Lively didn't even start for the Mavs on Thursday night and still had his first career 15/10/5 game: 15 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, a career-high in assists. While his defensive numbers weren't exactly outstanding, his impact was, as he continually adjusted his shots at the rim. Their center rotation of Lively and Daniel Gafford will be one of the best in the NBA if they stay healthy.

READ MORE: Mavericks use dominant second half to beat Spurs in season opener

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