Dallas Hoops Journal
We extensively cover the professional basketball teams in the Dallas area, including the Mavs and Wings.
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‘He Puts In The Work’: Dusty May Credits Daniel Gafford’s Summer After First Career 3-Pointer In Dallas Mavericks’ Win
May said Gafford worked on the shot all summer, and the center added 11 rebounds and 2 blocks after his 23-footer in the 120-96 win.
‘He Deserves This’: Dusty May Celebrates Caleb Martin’s 10-Point Season Debut In Dallas Mavericks’ Win Over Thunder
May said Martin has a real presence in the locker room after Martin scored 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting in his first game back from a right thumb sprain.
‘I Like The Challenge’: Zaccharie Risacher Embraces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Assignment Hours After Dallas Mavericks Pick Up Option
Risacher said his agent told him about the option before the game, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shot 2-of-10 after halftime in a 120-96 win.
‘Trusting The Guys’: Cooper Flagg Explains Playmaking Leap After 8-Assist Night In Dallas Mavericks’ Win Over Oklahoma City
Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg drove the Dallas Mavericks to a 120-96 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, delivering a career‑high 8 assists while scoring 26 points in just over 33 minutes. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft now averages 25.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists through four games, showcasing improved playmaking after a recent 11‑assist outing in Miami. Flagg credited growing confidence, team trust and his ability to draw help defense, noting how Kyrie Irving’s gravity opens up the floor. Coach Dusty May praised Flagg’s unselfishness and rim attacks as key to the win.
‘Another Game On The Schedule’: Kyrie Irving Scores 15 In First Home Game Of Season As Dallas Mavericks Beat Oklahoma City Thunder
Kyrie Irving powers the Dallas Mavericks to a 120-96 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in his first home game since returning from a torn ACL. Irving hits all four first‑quarter shots (three from downtown) and finishes with 15 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks, posting a league‑best +26 plus‑minus. Rookie Cooper Flagg leads with 26 points and 8 assists, while Caleb Martin contributes 10 off the bench. The victory snaps the Thunder’s 4‑0 start, and Irving, on a minutes restriction, describes the night as “just another game on the schedule,” emphasizing rhythm and team chemistry.
‘Throw That First Punch’: Dallas Mavericks Hand Oklahoma City Thunder First Loss, 120-96, Behind Cooper Flagg’s 26 Points
The Dallas Mavericks hand the Oklahoma City Thunder their first loss of the season, cruising to a 120-96 victory at the American Airlines Center on Oct. 29, 2026. Cooper Flagg powers Dallas with 26 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists, while Kyrie Irving contributes 15 points in his home debut. The Mavericks dominate every quarter, outscoring the Thunder 33-30, 32-29, 29-22, and 26-15, and lead by as many as 27. Oklahoma City struggles from deep, shooting just 5-of-32 on 3-pointers, and turns the ball over 14 times. Injuries sideline six Thunder players, including Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, while Dallas’ bench outpaces the Thunder 43-19.
Dusty May Calls Walter Clayton Jr. ‘Cold-Blooded’ After His Breakout Night In Miami
Mavericks coach Dusty May hails rookie Walter Clayton Jr. as “cold‑blooded” after the Florida star posted a breakout 15‑point, 6‑of‑7 shooting performance in Dallas’ 113‑109 win over the Miami Heat on Oct. 28. Clayton’s efficiency — including 2‑for‑2 from beyond the arc, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and a key block on Bobby Portis Jr. — helped the team outscore Miami by 22 points while he was on the floor, and he added 7 points in the fourth quarter. Signed to a two‑way deal on Oct. 21, the 18th‑overall pick from the 2025 draft quickly proved his poise, prompting May to trust him in big moments as Dallas (2‑2) prepares to host the Thunder.
‘Football Safety Type Of Instincts’: Dusty May Explains What Makes Cooper Flagg Different On Both Ends
Mavericks coach Dusty May praises rookie Cooper Flagg’s “football‑safety” instincts on both ends of the floor. After returning from a shoulder injury, Flagg logged 29 points, 11 assists, 5 steals and 3 blocks in a 113‑109 win over Miami, prompting May to tailor the team’s defensive rotations around his off‑ball awareness. May highlights Flagg’s unselfish passing, court vision, and ability to turn steals into fast‑break opportunities, forecasting 15‑ to 20‑assist games as Dallas finds its rhythm. The 19‑year‑old, 2025 No. 1 overall pick and reigning Rookie of the Year, leads a 2‑2 Mavericks squad hosting the 4‑0 Thunder on Oct. 29.
‘Kind Of Reinventing Himself’: Dusty May Says Zaccharie Risacher Never Gets Tired As Dallas Mavericks Pick Up His Option
Mavericks coach Dusty May praises rookie big man Zaccharie Risacher for his relentless defense, noting his "cyborg" stamina as the team exercises his $17.4 million fourth‑year option for 2027‑28. In four games, Risacher averages 8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 2.0 blocks, tying for the NBA’s second‑most combined steals and blocks. After a debut record‑setting five steals, he recorded 8 rebounds and 3 blocks in a 113‑109 win over Miami, despite shooting 2‑of‑13. Teammate Cooper Flagg says Risacher’s defensive impact adds 15‑20 points per game. Dallas (2‑2) now faces the 4‑0 Thunder on Oct. 29.
‘Help The Young Fella Grow’: Dusty May Details How Kyrie Irving Is Mentoring Dallas Mavericks Rookies In His Return
Mavericks coach Dusty May says Kyrie Irving is not only back on the floor—averaging 19.0 points in three games after his ACL repair—but also mentoring the team’s young talent. Irving, cleared to play against the Oklahoma City Thunder, helped rookie Morez Johnson Jr. (6 points in 15 minutes vs. Miami) recover from a missed pass with calm, constructive coaching. Teammates note his meticulous preparation sets a league‑wide standard, while Irving and Cooper Flagg combined for 17 of Dallas’ 31 assists in the 113‑109 win over the Heat. The Mavericks (2‑2) look to extend their bounce‑back against the 4‑0 Thunder on Oct. 29.
‘Same Thunder DNA’: Dusty May Expects Short-Handed Oklahoma City To Fight As Dallas Mavericks Host Unbeaten Thunder
Dallas Mavericks host unbeaten Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 29 at 8:30 p.m. CT, despite the Thunder missing Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso. Oklahoma City (4‑0, league‑low 100.8 p.p.g.) also lists Nikola Topić and Thomas Sorber out, with Ajay Mitchell questionable after a 30‑point night vs. Phoenix. MVP Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander continues to average 27.3 points. Mavericks coach Dusty May expects the Thunder’s “fight DNA” to persist, noting the depth that helped them win the 2025 title and reach last season’s conference finals. Dallas (2‑2) enters a three‑game homestand with Kyrie Irving and Caleb Martin healthy, but without Naji Marshall and several bench pieces.
Ajay Mitchell Available For Oklahoma City Thunder Against Dallas Mavericks Despite Right Ankle Sprain
Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell is cleared to play against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night despite a right‑ankle sprain, coach Mark Daigneault announced. Mitchell, who logged a career‑high 30 points in a 125-114 win over Phoenix, has appeared in all four games this season. Oklahoma City, however, lists six players out, including Jalen Williams (fibula fracture) and Cason Wallace (shoulder labrum tear). The Thunder sit 4‑0 and could become the first team to start three straight seasons 5‑0 with a win. Dallas is 2‑2 after recent losses and a win over Miami. Tip‑off is 8:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.
‘Fun Puzzles To Put Together’: Kyrie Irving Available, Naji Marshall Out As Dallas Mavericks Host Unbeaten Oklahoma City Thunder
Kyrie Irving and Caleb Martin are cleared to play as the Dallas Mavericks host unbeaten Oklahoma City (4-0) on Oct. 29. Irving, back from a torn ACL, logged 18 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in Monday’s 113-109 win over Miami and coach Dusty May confirmed he’ll suit up despite a prior knee‑injury question. Marshall and rookie Sergio De Larrea miss the game—Marshall with illness and De Larrea nursing a right‑knee sprain—while Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberović and Dereck Lively II remain out. The matchup starts at 8:30 p.m. CT at the American Airlines Center, marking the first of a three‑game home stretch for Dallas (2‑2).
‘Finding Himself Now’: Dallas Mavericks Pick Up Zaccharie Risacher’s Fourth-Year Option For 2027-28 Season
The former No. 1 pick has 8 steals and 8 blocks through four games in Dallas, tied for the second-most combined in the NBA this season.
‘It Would Be Amazing’: Cooper Flagg On Playing For Erik Spoelstra And Team USA At 2028 Olympics
After scoring 29 points against Spoelstra's Heat, the Mavericks star said he would love to play for his country if he is ever asked.
‘He Be Hitting People’: P.J. Washington Leaves A Mark On Giannis Antetokounmpo In 41 Physical Minutes As Dallas Mavericks Beat Miami Heat
Washington made four 3-pointers, tied up Antetokounmpo for three jump balls, and grabbed the game's final rebound in the 113-109 win.
‘Nothing To Worry About’: Cooper Flagg, Dusty May Back Zaccharie Risacher After 2-of-13 Night In Dallas Mavericks’ Win Over Miami Heat
Risacher added 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, and a steal, and Dallas was plus-9 in his minutes as May said nobody on the roster will tell him to stop shooting.
Naji Marshall Downgraded To Doubtful As Dallas Mavericks Rule Out Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberović vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Kyrie Irving and Caleb Martin remain questionable for Wednesday's 8:30 p.m. CT tip-off, and Sergio De Larrea and Dereck Lively II are also out.
Indiana Pacers Star Tyrese Haliburton To Miss Time With Hamstring Injury
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton has a strained left hamstring and will miss time, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
‘A Really Big Step’: Cooper Flagg Praises Walter Clayton Jr.’s Stay-Ready ‘Doubleheader’ In Dallas Mavericks’ Win Over Miami Heat
Walter Clayton Jr. steps up for the Mavericks, scoring 15 points on 6‑of‑7 shooting in a 113‑109 win over the Miami Heat on Oct. 28, 2026. After playing in the morning’s stay‑ready session, the bench rookie logged 17:10 minutes, added four rebounds, four assists and a block, and helped Dallas out‑score Miami by 22 points while on the floor. Coach Dusty May praised his poise, and teammate Cooper Flagg highlighted his intensity. Signed to a two‑way deal on Oct. 21, Clayton’s double‑figure debut follows a brief stint with Memphis and a 2025 first‑round selection that led Florida to a national title.
‘Just Trying to Impact Winning’: Inside Cooper Flagg’s 29-Point, 11-Assist Performance Against Miami Heat
Two days after missing a game with a shoulder injury, rookie Cooper Flagg posts a 29‑point, 11‑assist, 6‑rebound double‑double to lift the Dallas Mavericks to a 113‑109 win over the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center. Flagg also blocks Andrew Wiggins’s three‑pointer in the final minute and scores the clinching layup with 10 seconds left. The performance marks his 14th career double‑double and ties his assist high, while coach Dusty May praises Flagg’s focus and unselfish play as the Mavericks aim for more meaningful games.
Rick Welts To Retire As Dallas Mavericks CEO At End Of 2026, Ethan Casson Named Successor
Rick Welts will retire as Dallas Mavericks CEO at the end of 2026, with team president Ethan Casson slated to take over on Jan. 1, 2027. Welts, who joined the franchise in January 2025, oversaw the Valley View Mall arena site deal and brings a storied résumé that includes building the Warriors' Chase Center and creating NBA All‑Star Weekend. Casson, a former Timberwolves/Lynx CEO and key figure in securing a $220 million naming‑rights deal for Levi’s Stadium, has run the Mavericks’ day‑to‑day operations since August 2025. The transition aims to continue the Mavericks’ long‑term vision, including a new arena and practice facility slated for the 2031‑32 season.
‘Such A Tough Kid’: Dallas Mavericks Rule Out Sergio De Larrea Against Oklahoma City Thunder With Right Knee Sprain
The Dallas Mavericks announce rookie Sergio De Larrea is out for Wednesday’s 8:30 p.m. CT game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a right‑knee sprain, ending his brief return after a hard fall in the second quarter on Monday. Kyrie Irving remains questionable after logging 32:40 in the 113‑109 win over Miami, his third game back from a torn ACL. Coach Dusty May praised De Larrea as a "tough kid" but expects imaging tomorrow to determine the outlook. The Mavericks also list Naji Marshall (illness), Caleb Martin (thumb), Santi Aldama (knee surgery), Tarik Biberović (heel) and Dereck Lively II (foot surgery) as injuries as they head into a three‑game homestand (Thunder, Rockets, Kings).
Dallas Mavericks Recall Santi Aldama From Texas Legends, List Him As Doubtful vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Dallas Mavericks recalled forward Santi Aldama from their G League affiliate, the Texas Legends, on Oct. 28 as part of his return‑to‑play protocol after right‑knee surgery. Although he didn’t appear in a Legends game, Aldama is listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s 8:30 p.m. CT home matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has missed all preseason action and the first three regular‑season games, including a 121‑105 win at Indiana and a 122‑106 loss to San Antonio. Aldama, acquired from Memphis in July, is progressing but remains a question mark for the Mavericks’ early season lineup.
‘A Big Key’: Jerry Jones Says Dallas Cowboys Need To Be Run-First Team After Javonte Williams’ 155-Yard Night
Jerry Jones tells Dallas fans the Cowboys must adopt a run‑first identity after rookie Javonte Williams rushed for a career‑high 155 yards on 25 carries in a 38‑21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 26. The team tallied 204 rushing yards, its second 200‑yard ground game since coach Brian Schottenheimer took over in 2025, and Dallas finished with a season‑best 416 total yards. Jones praised Williams’ “Emmitt Smith‑like” power, while Dak Prescott threw for 212 yards and three touchdowns. The win follows back‑to‑back losses that left the Cowboys at the NFL’s bottom in rushing attempts and yards per game, prompting the owner to stress a stronger ground game moving forward.
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