Dallas Mavericks Preseason Opener

FORT WORTH — It didn’t take long for Dallas Mavericks fans who showed up to Dickies Arena to witness Cooper Flagg’s first NBA highlight. The No. 1 overall pick showed his defensive prowess less than two minutes into Monday’s 106-89 preseason opening win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Flagg left his defensive assignment for a successful weakside block on Isaiah Joe, which ignited a fast break that led to an alley-oop connection between D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis.

The play encapsulated what makes the Mavericks rookie so appealing: He’s a multifaceted forward who’s capable of being just as good on defense as he is on offense. And his abilities on offense aren’t limited to simply putting the ball in the basket. Flagg spent most of his 14-minute stint seeking out his teammates for scoring opportunities.

Just as he displayed in Las Vegas, Flagg had plenty of opportunities to initiate the offense. His most impressive play was during the first quarter when he took the ball the length of the floor, attracted three defenders and dished the ball inside to Dwight Powell for an open dunk.

Those waiting on Flagg to score had to wait until midway through the second quarter, but the delay was quite worth it. The Mavericks rookie scored his unofficial first Mavericks points with an acrobatic double-pump layup over Jaylin Williams. On the Mavericks’ next offensive possession, Flagg tested his range with a 3-pointer off the dribble. He pointed to his forearm once the shot went through the net, the signature “ice in my veins” celebration coined by Russell.

Flagg knocked down another 3-pointer and a pair of free throws to finish with 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block in 14 minutes. He, along with the Mavericks’ other starters did not play in the second half.

“I had a lot of fun,” Flagg said. “Just taking whatever the defense gives me, keeping it simple. Making the right play, whether that’s a pass, a shot, whatever it is.”

Max Christie, who finished with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists off the bench, lauded Flagg’s playmaking and ability to handle Oklahoma City’s defensive pressure.

“I think he eased into the game really well,” Christie said. “His passing was really good. I thought they tried to pressure him a little bit, but he seemed to belong as we all know. He filled up the statsheet.

“He’s gonna be the most uncomfortable he’s going to be in his first game, probably all season long, so he’s only going to get better. He looked good.”

Takeaways from the Game

It’s only a preseason, so there’s an annual warning to take these takeaways with a grain of salt. Even though the circumstances weren’t dire, the hometown team opened the preseason on a positive note over the defending champions.

The Thunder didn’t have most of their key players available, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. It was a night of rest since Oklahoma City defeated the Hornets 135-114 in Charlotte on Sunday.

Back in action! See photos from the Mavericks’ preseason opener vs. the Thunder

Sneak Peek at Starting Lineup

Before the game, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd reiterated that he hasn’t finalized a starting lineup and won’t until the team opens the regular season on Oct. 22.

However, Monday’s game offered a glimpse of what the first unit could look like. Kidd began the game with Russell, Klay Thompson, Flagg, Davis and Lively. It’s the most optimal logical lineup for Dallas going into the season since it provides shooting in the backcourt, rim protection in the frontcourt and two-way versatility with Flagg and Davis.

The lineup shot 42.3% from the field and made 38.5% from 3, while accounting for 21 rebounds and four blocks. The perimeter shooting was an encouraging sign since 3-point shooting will be a point of emphasis throughout the season.

Washington Enters Off the Bench

P.J. Washington scored a team-high 14 points off the bench on Monday.

While lineups aren’t set, it’s possible that the Mavericks continue this early trend and bring Washington into the game with the second unit. His two-way versatility was also on display. The seventh-year forward appeared to have the green light to be aggressive on offense, while keeping his intensity on the defensive end.

There were several moments when Washington and Flagg shared the floor together, just as general manager Nico Harrison predicted during the offseason. They played opposite of each other and Flagg found a cutting Washington, who converted a layup while he was fouled in the second quarter. He knocked down 6-of-7 from the stripe, counting for almost half of his point total.

Cooper Flagg found PJ Washington for an and-one. He’s making plays for his teammates on offense with 3 assists in the first half. pic.twitter.com/41p0MsQZdW

Russell’s Playmaking

Who said the Mavericks had a point guard problem? Russell may be one of the newest Mavericks, but he’s far from a newbie in the NBA. The veteran guard finished with five points and five assists in his 15-minute stint in the first half.

Russell is traditionally known as a point guard who can score, but he displayed his playmaking in his first game in a Mavericks uniform. Throughout media day and training camp, Russell vowed that he would “plug in” and do whatever the Mavericks asked of him. It’s only preseason, but so far, it looks like that role could come in the form as a facilitator.