The Dallas Mavericks remain undefeated even without their core line up playing against defending champions Milwaukee Bucks according to a Dallas Morning News article from October 15. In it they reported,
“Without Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr., The Mavericks toppled a full-strength Milwaukee Bucks team in a 114-103 win at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee Friday evening.
The Mavericks thrive from beyond the arc and put the Bucks in an early hole with six 3-pointers in the second quarter. Maxi Kleber and Sterling Brown combined for five of those and lifted the Mavericks to a 17-point first-half lead.”
Coach Jason Kidd had his three stars sit down the game against the Bucks as he had already decided to let them participate in the first halves of the first two preseason games as part of the rotation according to a Dallas Morning News article from October 14. In it they reported,
“Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. are finished with preseason play.
“Those guys didn’t get a chance to play in the fourth quarter like we planned, so we made the adjustment,” Kidd said after the game Wednesday. “That’s nice that we can come back [Thursday] and have a healthy, energized practice where everybody’s going to participate.
“And then we stay to the script. Those guys won’t play in Milwaukee, and so we’ll go from there.”
After winning against the powerhouse Gianna Antetokounmpo and his healthy and complete Bucks, many fans are raging with excitement and hype in a Facebook post. One said,
We’re going to the championship
Another man commented on the victory,
“I know it’s preseason and these games doesn’t count. But I have to say JKidd is doing pretty good. Without Luka, KP and THJ, still managed to win while Bucks used their key players. I hope we can bring this kind of energy to regular season.”
Meanwhile, one fan noticed the new playing style of the Mavericks
“That run and gun style of play and their defense!
Last game they said Hornets just sit their starters so Mavs won with that margin. Now Mavs defeated Bucks with Giannis and Holiday while Luka, KP and THJ are out.
Watch out for the Mavs NBA!
#MFFL”
Another also observed,
“This roster appears to have more energy, hustle, and effort. I’m expecting our Mavs to perform better this season. #MFFL”
While indeed the game between the Mavs and the defending champions does not count yet, it is still a great achievement for the new coaching staff and the Mavericks altogether. Even better is the fact that they won without their core line up when the defending champions all played with their usual atmosphere. The Mavericks are indeed up to something this season as they set their sights on staying undefeated this preseason.
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