The Dallas Mavericks were back at 2500 Victory Avenue for their home opener against Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies this past Saturday. Dallas returns with a loss against the Phoenix Suns via Damion Lee’s last minute performance that foiled the Mavs’ effort to return home with a victory at Footprint Arena.
This game also marked the debut of the 2022-2023 Statement kits, an annual alternative kit by Jordan Brand. Speaking of the Jumpman, Jordan athlete and guard Luka Doncic’s 21 points actually outscored Memphis’ 17 in the first quarter to put the Mavs ahead 39-17 to start the season at home. He would finish with a double double consisting of 32 points and 10 assists with 7 rebounds.
“I’m just trying to play hard, do the best I can with the role that I’m in. That’s really about it.” -Christian Wood
Mavs newcomer Christian Wood would also go on to put up a double double with 25 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. Wood is the first Maverick in franchise history to score 25 plus points in their first two games with the team.
Tim Hardaway Jr., in his return to the American Airlines Center since injuring his left foot last January, would go on to score 16 points including a perfect 8-8 from the the line.
Despite the Grizzlies best efforts, including Ja Morant’s team leading 20 points, they were no match for Dallas as the Mavs would defeat Memphis, 137-96.
The 41-point win is the largest deficit of the season between any teams in the NBA thus far. When asked did the back-to-back (Memphis defeated the Houston Rockets the day before 129-122) play a factor in the loss, Grizzlies coach, Taylor Jenkins was quoted saying, “I think a great team played great and we didn’t play great.”
The Mavs are on the road facing the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday and the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.
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