The San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for an exciting matchup in the NBA season opener, set to take place at the recently renamed Frost Bank Center. Both teams, having missed the playoffs last season, are filled with determination to lay claim to their postseason aspirations, each for different reasons.
The San Antonio Spurs had a challenging 2022-23 season, ending with a disappointing 22-60 record, marking the third-worst performance in the franchise’s history. To compound matters, they found themselves tied for the dubious honor of the worst record in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.
However, a silver lining emerged in the form of Victor Wembanyama, a 7-foot-4 (223.52-centimeter) French prodigy hailed as the most exciting NBA prospect since LeBron James. Wembanyama’s exceptional skills in shooting, shot-blocking, and ball-handling shone in the preseason, making him a standout addition to the Spurs’ starting lineup.
Wembanyama is not alone in the spotlight. He will be joined in the starting five by Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan, former lottery picks who will take charge of the guard positions. Zach Collins assumes the center role, while forward Keldon Johnson, the team’s top scorer last season with an impressive 22 points per game, remains a crucial part of the equation. Johnson, now entering his fifth season, holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured Spur on the roster.
Collins, filled with optimism, commends the team’s chemistry in the preseason, noting that everyone took the summer seriously and worked to improve their game. The legendary Gregg Popovich, entering his 28th season as head coach, emphasizes the shift in focus towards winning this season, indicating a departure from the team’s previous emphasis on player development.
On the other side of this Lone Star showdown, the Dallas Mavericks are eager to unlock the potential of their star guards, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The duo’s chemistry is a work in progress, having played together in only 16 games following Irving’s arrival last February.
Irving, with a clear focus on winning, asserts that the team is there to win basketball games, making winning the ultimate measure of success. Doncic and Irving will receive support from forward Grant Williams, a recent acquisition from Boston. While these three are locked into the starting lineup, the remaining two spots are still up for grabs. Rookie Dereck Lively II appears poised to start at center, while the shooting forward position is hotly contested between Josh Green, Derrick Jones Jr., and Dante Exum.
Mavericks’ head coach, Jason Kidd, appreciates the camaraderie and unity of his squad as they gear up for the season. He notes the team’s competitiveness and mutual support, emphasizing that this group truly enjoys each other on and off the floor. As the showdown approaches, there is some uncertainty about Luka Doncic’s status, as the star player continues his recovery from a mild left calf strain.
However, with Doncic’s return to practice, the Mavericks have reason to be hopeful. Coach Kidd shares that the plan is for Doncic to practice again, and they will evaluate his condition. The Mavericks are looking forward to a season filled with anticipation and the potential for success, aiming to make a statement in their NBA season opener.