Preseason game preview: Phoenix Suns (1-1) at Dallas Mavericks (2-1)
Preseason game preview: Phoenix Suns (1-1) at Dallas Mavericks (2-1)
DALLAS – In the midst of an injury to their star player and a suspension to one of their key contributors off the bench, the Dallas Mavericks have also had to keep their focus on building chemistry on a team with eight new players this preseason.
So far, so good, as the Mavericks have gotten off to a 2-1 start in exhibition play heading into Wednesday night’s showdown with the Phoenix Suns.
Following a 123-104 thumping of Houston in Monday night’s preseason home opener, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle suspended eight-year veteran Delonte West due to a violation of team conduct rules. The suspension also came as the Mavs played their second game without 11-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki, while he battles a right knee effusion and hopes that the swelling goes down with a lighter workload.
That has left newcomers like fifth-year guard O.J. Mayo to carry the team as it continues to inch towards the season opener on Oct. 30, when the Mavericks will travel to Los Angeles for a date with the new-look Lakers.
“At the end of the day, we’ve gotta keep on getting better,” Mayo matter-of-factly said following the team’s Tuesday practice.
“I thought we came out and played well for our first time, all of us, playing here in front of our home crowd,” he added. “We got the W, so that’s the main thing. … We’ve gotta stay focused, and it starts on the practice court, really paying attention to details that much more.”
Led by 20 points apiece from Mayo and rookie standout Jae Crowder, the Mavericks made easy work of the Rockets with a strong second half. Now, the Suns (1-1) enter the unfriendly confines of the American Airlines for the first time since two-time MVP Steve Nash migrated on to the Lakers.
Still, Carlisle believes the Suns will offer a great challenge Wednesday night.
“This is a process, getting new guys integrated. Eight new guys that are not only new to our team but new to each other in just about every case,” Carlisle confessed. “So, we’re working on it.
“[The Suns] have played a couple of games. I think [Suns coach Alvin Gentry] does a terrific job with those guys and they’re gonna be the same thing we’re trying to be – high energy, move the ball, push it up, be sticky defensively and share it. So, it will be another good test for us,” the coach concluded.
Note: The Mavericks return to action Wednesday night in an exhibition showdown against the Phoenix Suns at the American Airlines Center. The game will air on TXA 21 at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets for the game are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS or by visiting Mavs.com.
