The Mavericks’ start to the preseason was notable more for who wasn’t suited up rather than anything that happened in the 121-116 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies Monday night at American Airlines Center.
Luka Dončić was expected to miss the opener with a left calf contusion. He was joined on the sideline by Kyrie Irving and newcomer Klay Thompson, both of whom were listed as out for rest purposes.
But fret not. Coach Jason Kidd said that the wraps will come off of Thompson soon enough and he will make his Mavericks’ debut perhaps on Thursday after 13 seasons at Golden State.
“Hopefully Luka’s back soon so that we can get those guys paired up and play against some guys (other than) ourselves,” Kidd said before Monday’s exhibition. “But going forward, Klay and Kai will play most likely in the last three (preseason) games to get that continuity against the opponent and get some rhythm going.
“Hopefully, Luka can get back here soon to get that continuity, get some work and also see how those three look out there at the same time. That would be nice. But (after) going through last year, it’s a marathon. Just understand we want to come out of this thing healthy.”
That was not the case after a four-day training camp in Las Vegas, where the Mavericks didn’t have Dončić at all and also saw Dante Exum go down with a right wrist injury, P.J. Washington suffer from left hip tightness, Maxi Kleber and Kessler Edwards sit with sprained left ankles and Brandon Williams go down with a right calf strain.
All eight of those players sat in the preseason opener.
Hey, it’s the preseason. No need to rush anybody out there for games that truly aren’t meaningful, at least not for the Mavericks’ big-picture goals. The rest of the Mavericks’ preseason features games against Utah at AAC on Thursday then at the Los Angeles Clippers and at home against Milwaukee next week.
And Kidd made it clear that there are no long-term concerns with Luka or Washington, who make up 40 percent of the starting lineup.
Not so when it comes to Exum, who suffered the wrist injury in Las Vegas.
““He’s going to be out,” Kidd said. “To clarify how he did it, it was on a dunk or when he fell (after the dunk).”
Expect Spencer Dinwiddie and perhaps Jaden Hardy to pick up the minutes Exum would have gotten.
Given the crowded infirmary, Kidd said the goal in the first game of the preseason was simple.
“Health. Just get out of this thing healthy,” he said. “Our health, we just left Vegas with a lot of injuries.”
Speaking of the game: Jaden Hardy got an extended run in the preseason opener, playing 34 minutes. And the 6-4 guard made the most of it with 21 points and nine assists to go with three steals and three rebounds.
One of those assists was a nifty behind-the-back dish to Jazian Gortman on a fast break that brought the crowd alive. It was two of Gortman’s 20 points.
“Not just being known as a scorer, he’s making the right play,” Kidd said of Hardy, who is entering his third season. “His motor was high, but also his voice. He was out there talking. That shows his comfort level of trying to lead that group.
“We all know he can score, but he was making plays. Even with turnovers, he was trying to make the right play.”
Hardy indeed did a lot of what Kidd wants to see from him this season to carve out a more consistent role.
“I had a chance to run the point and get us organized,” Hardy said. “I feel like I did a great job of getting everybody touches. What I think he (the coach) is looking for is decision-making and being able to knock down open shots. Also, bring energy defensively.
“When you’re playing alongside guys like Kyrie, Luka, those are two great scorers. So you got to find some other way to impact the game. So just bring great energy.”
The game was entertaining with players like Derek Lively II and Naji Marshall contributing 12 and nine points, respectively. Lively played only in the first half, running up 14 minutes. Marshall played 21 minutes.
No Mavericks were overused and the most important goal was reached.
“That was the first thing: we came out healthy,” Kidd said, alluding to the fact that nobody who played in the game got dinged up. “I thought the guys played hard. And we took care of the ball. We had 14 turnovers. For a preseason game, that’s pretty good.”
Another bright spot? Gortman, who is in competition for one of the two-way spots that the Mavericks have, had four steals to go with his 20 points.
“Gortman’s tough,” Kidd said. “I love what he did tonight. He shot the ball extremely well and he kept us organized. He’s not scared and he’s tough. The last spot is going to be interesting to see who we can go with.”
In the end, the Mavericks started the preseason 0-1 as Memphis made a few more plays down the stretch of a close game. A couple of blocked shots by 7-5 Jamarion Sharp kept the Mavericks within 113-111 going into the final minutes but they would get no closer.
Briefly: It also was the first preseason game for the Grizzlies, who unveiled 7-4 rookie Zach Edey. He picked up three quick fouls, but also had a head-at-the-rim lob dunk that drew oohs and ahhs from the crowd. Ja Morant also played significant minutes and the star point guard had 13 points, four rebounds and three assists, despite leaving the game in the first half with an ankle tweak. He returned after halftime . . . Here’s what Grizz coach Taylor Jenkins had to say before Monday’s game about the Mavericks’ acquisition of Thompson: “Ultimate winner. A future hall of famer, multiple-time NBA champion. So he’ll spread the court and his ability to move without the ball is going to make it even harder for teams to guard the Mavericks. Obviously, a great move for the Mavericks.” . . . Kidd was asked what he thought of Luka and Kyrie as coaches of the Blue and White teams, respectively, in the intrasquad scrimmage Sunday at Fan Jam. “They were great,” Kidd said. “Kai played a lot of zone. Luka wants to win at everything, so he made sure he won. He felt like his coaching career is off to a great start. He’s 1-0.” Kidd added it was a good way to interact with their teammates rather than just sitting on the sidelines watching.
X: @ESefko
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