Dallas Hoops Journal
We extensively cover the professional basketball teams in the Dallas area, including the Mavs and Wings.
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‘Linemen Lead The Way’: Dallas Cowboys Beat Philadelphia Eagles 38-21 As Javonte Williams Runs For Career-High 155 Yards
The Dallas Cowboys snap a two‑game skid with a 38‑21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 27, 2026. Javonte Williams rushes for a career‑high 155 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries, the most by a Cowboy back since Ezekiel Elliott in 2016. Dak Prescott throws for 212 yards and three TDs, becoming the franchise leader with 80 multi‑touchdown games. Dallas dominates the ground game with 204 rushing yards, eight third‑down conversions and no sacks, while the O‑line—highlighted by Quinnen Williams—sets the tone. The win improves the Cowboys to 3‑4, while the Eagles fall to 2‑5.
‘Very Hard-Fought Road W’: Dallas Mavericks Beat Miami Heat 113-109 Behind Cooper Flagg’s 29 Points
Cooper Flagg returns from a shoulder injury to drop 29 points, including 12 in the fourth, and a clutch layup with 10 seconds left that secures a 113-109 road win for the Dallas Mavericks over the Miami Heat on Oct. 27, 2026. Flagg adds 6 rebounds, 11 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks as Dallas improves to 2-2 (2-1 on the road). Kyrie Irving, back from a torn ACL, contributes 18 points and 6 assists. The Heat fall to 0-4, marking only the fifth such start in franchise history.
Cooper Flagg Available As Dallas Mavericks Face Miami Heat After Shoulder Sprain Absence
Cooper Flagg is cleared to play for the Dallas Mavericks against the Miami Heat on Oct. 26, just three days after a mild left‑shoulder sprain in Indiana. Coach Dusty May says Flagg’s status is a game‑time decision, but he expects him to suit up after a solid 14‑point debut versus the Pacers. The Mavericks also welcome back Kyrie Irving, while Naji Marshall sits out with illness and several other players remain sidelined. Miami, 0‑3 this week, features new star Giannis Antetokounmpo (28.3 ppg). The tip‑off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT at Kaseya Center.
Oklahoma City Thunder Forwards Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace Need Surgery; Out Indefinitely
Oklahoma City Thunder president Sam Presti announced on Monday (10/26) that forwards Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace need surgery and will be out indefinitely.
Walter Clayton Jr. Embraces Fresh Start With Dallas Mavericks After ‘Learning Year’ in NBA
Walter Clayton Jr. signs a two-way deal with the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 21 and quickly gets court time, posting 3 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists in 14 minutes off the bench against the San Antonio Spurs. He describes the transition as "seamless" thanks to support from teammates and coaches, and notes the Mavericks' emphasis on hustle and physical play ahead of their Monday night visit to the Miami Heat. Clayton reflects on his "learning year" spent with the Jazz and Grizzlies, where he averaged 7.8 points and 4.0 assists as a rookie before being waived by Memphis. Dallas, now 1‑2, also highlights rookie Sergio de Larrea's 21‑point performance and the team’s new front office under Masai Ujiri.
Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg Upgraded To Probable Against Miami Heat After Shootaround
Cooper Flagg is upgraded to probable for the Mavericks' Monday game against the Miami Heat after completing a shootaround, despite a mild left shoulder sprain that sidelined him on Friday. The 19‑year‑old, 2025 No. 1 pick, left the Indiana Pacers game with 14 points and missed the Spurs loss before an MRI confirmed the sprain. He scored 32 points in the season opener versus Houston. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving returns after a knee issue, while Naji Marshall (illness) and Caleb Martin (thumb sprain) remain out, and several players continue to sit with injuries. Tip‑off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT at Kaseya Center.
Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg Participates In Shootaround Before Miami Heat Game
Cooper Flagg joins the Dallas Mavericks’ shootaround at Miami’s Kaseya Center despite being listed as questionable with a mild left shoulder sprain. The 19‑year‑old, 2025 No. 1 draft pick exited the Mavericks’ 121‑105 win over Indiana after a flagrant foul and missed the 122‑106 loss to San Antonio while an MRI confirmed the sprain. Coach Dusty May leaves his return timeline open. Flagg, who tallied 32 points in the season opener, was replaced by Zachary Risacher (11 points) on Saturday. Kyrie Irving returns, while Naji Marshall and several others remain sidelined. Tip‑off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT.
‘Executed At A High Level’: Dallas Stars Beat New York Islanders 6-3 For Fifth Straight Win As Jason Robertson Scores Twic
Jason Robertson nets a pair of goals as the Dallas Stars rally to a 6-3 victory over the New York Islanders, extending their winning streak to five games (7-3-1). After trailing 3-3, Dallas scores three unanswered third‑period goals, highlighted by Wyatt Johnston’s 4:10 slot wrist shot and Mikko Rantanen’s sixth of the season. Robertson finishes with two goals and an assist, while Tyler Seguin and Justin Hryckowian add to the score sheet. The Stars dominate possession with a 38‑20 shot edge, record a season‑high six goals, and see debut appearances from Dylan Hryckowian and Matthew Seminoff. Coach Glen Gulutzan praises the team’s high‑level execution in the decisive period.
‘Earned More And More Trust’: Dusty May Sees Sergio De Larrea Emerging For Dallas Mavericks
Rookie guard Sergio de Larrea burst onto the NBA scene, scoring his first 21 career points in Dallas’ 122‑106 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 24. The 20‑year‑old, a 25th‑overall pick in the 2026 draft, shot 9‑of‑15 from the floor and added five rebounds and four assists off the bench, leading all reserves. With Cooper Flagg sidelined and Kyrie Irving resting, Coach Dusty May praised de Larrea’s defense, hustle and confidence, noting his rapid adaptation to the league’s speed. The Spaniard, a former Liga ACB Best Young Player and 2025 Spanish Supercup MVP, now earns more minutes as the Mavericks look to blend youth with veteran depth.
‘Certainly A Chance’: Kyrie Irving Off Dallas Mavericks Injury Report Against Miami Heat After Sitting Second Night Of Back-To-Back
Kyrie Irving remains off the Dallas Mavericks’ injury report for Monday’s clash with the Miami Heat after sitting out Saturday’s 122-106 loss to the San Antonio Spurs for left‑knee management. He posted 24 points in 25 minutes during Friday’s 121-105 win over Indiana, his first game since tearing his ACL on March 3, 2025. Coach Dusty May says Dallas cleared him for Friday but has not decided on back‑to‑back play, noting there’s “certainly a chance” Irving will suit up both nights. The Heat enter the game 0‑3, while Dallas also lists several players—including Cooper Flagg (questionable) and Naji Marshall (ill)—as sidelined.
‘A Left Shoulder Sprain’: Dallas Mavericks List Cooper Flagg Questionable Against Miami Heat, Naji Marshall Out With Illness
The Mavericks enter Monday’s 6:30 p.m. CT matchup at the Kaseya Center with a slew of injuries. Cooper Flagg is listed as questionable after an MRI confirmed a mild left‑shoulder sprain; Naji Marshall sits out due to illness, and Caleb Martin is now doubtful with a right thumb sprain. Santi Aldama (right knee surgery), Tarik Biberović (heel bursitis), Dereck Lively II (foot surgery) and Kyrie Irving (left‑knee management) remain unavailable. Dallas is 1‑2, while Miami is 0‑3 after a 115‑110 loss to Charlotte. The report highlights limited minutes for Jett Howard and Morez Johnson Jr. as the teams prepare for the game.
‘Ran Out Of Gas Late’: Shorthanded Dallas Mavericks Fall To San Antonio Spurs 122-106 Despite Sergio de Larrea’s 21 Points
The San Antonio Spurs pull away from a shorthanded Dallas Mavericks 122-106 after a furious fourth‑quarter burst, hitting five threes in just over six minutes. Rookie Sergio de Larrea tops Dallas with 21 points off the bench, while the Mavericks, missing Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, erase a 14‑point third‑quarter hole to lead 85‑84 with 2:01 left before the Spurs surge. Victor Wembanyama leads San Antonio with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks; Dylan Harper adds 22. The win leaves both teams 1‑2 early in the 2026‑27 season. The sell‑out crowd of 19,555 watches a game marked by turnovers and bench scoring, with Dallas’ starters posting just 50 points total.
‘One Day At A Time’: Dusty May Explains Why Kyrie Irving Sits Second Night Of Dallas Mavericks’ Back-To-Back
Mavericks coach Dusty May explains that Kyrie Irving’s availability for the back‑to‑back games was decided on the day, not in advance. Irving suited up on Friday in Indiana, scoring 24 points in a 121‑105 win, but sat out Saturday’s home opener against the Spurs to manage a left‑knee injury. May notes the decision hinged on Irving’s readiness, mentions a minutes restriction, and says the team may still let him play both nights of a back‑to‑back later in the season. With Irving out, Naji Marshall and Max Christie start, while Cooper Flagg misses the Spurs game with a shoulder sprain as Dallas gears up for a Monday trip to Miami.
‘We Have Good Players’: Naji Marshall, Zaccharie Risacher Start As Dallas Mavericks Host San Antonio Spurs Without Kyrie Irving, Cooper Flagg
The Mavericks open their home season against the Spurs without Kyrie Irving (left‑knee management) and Cooper Flagg (shoulder sprain), forcing Naji Marshall and rookie Zaccharie Risacher into the starting lineup. Marshall replaces Irving at guard, while Risacher steps in for Flagg at forward; Max Christie, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford complete the five. Dallas also lists Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberović, Dereck Lively II and Caleb Martin as out. Coach Dusty May emphasizes confidence in the adjusted roster, noting Marshall’s improved ball security and defensive hustle, and Risacher’s 11‑point, 6‑rebound, 3‑block effort against Indiana. Tip‑off is 7 p.m. CT at the American Airlines Center.
Kyrie Irving Ruled Out vs. San Antonio Spurs As Dallas Mavericks Announce Morez Johnson Jr. Minutes Restriction
Kyrie Irving is ruled out of the Mavericks' home opener against the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 24 due to left knee injury management, joining a long injury list that includes Cooper Flagg, Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberović, Dereck Lively II and Caleb Martin. Rookie Morez Johnson Jr. will play under a minutes restriction after being upgraded to probable. Coach Dusty May notes Irving’s limited minutes disrupt the usual rotation, while Naji Marshall and Marcus Sasser stepped up as point guards in Irving’s recent foul‑out, with Sasser scoring 17 in the Houston opener. Johnson, the ninth overall pick, contributed 8 points and 6 rebounds in the win at Indiana. The game tips off at 7 p.m. CT at the American Airlines Center, with Dallas heading to Miami next.
Kyrie Irving Downgraded To Doubtful For Dallas Mavericks’ Home Opener Against San Antonio Spurs
Kyrie Irving drops to doubtful for the Mavericks' home opener against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday after being listed as questionable earlier, as the left‑knee injury management continues. Meanwhile, Zaccharie Risacher and Morez Johnson Jr. move up to probable, Max Christie stays questionable, and Jett Howard improves to questionable. Dallas has already ruled out several players, including Cooper Flagg and Santi Aldama, for the 7 p.m. CT tip at American Airlines Center. Coach Dusty May says Irving will be on a minutes restriction following his ACL return, recalling his 24‑point effort before fouling out in a 121‑105 win at Indiana. The report also notes contributions from Naji Marshall, Marcus Sasser, and other bench players.
Dallas Mavericks List 10 Players On Injury Report vs. San Antonio Spurs, Including Kyrie Irving And Cooper Flagg
The Mavericks enter their home opener against the San Antonio Spurs with 10 players listed on the injury report. Kyrie Irving (left knee management) and rookie Cooper Flagg (left shoulder sprain) are among the questionable, while Max Christie, Zaccharie Risacher and Morez Johnson Jr. also miss time. Jett Howard is doubtful with calf tightness, and Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberović, Dereck Lively II and Caleb Martin are out after surgeries or sprains. Despite the setbacks, Irving scored 24 points in Friday’s 121‑105 win at Indiana, his second game back from a torn ACL. Coach Dusty May says the staff is proceeding cautiously early in the season.
Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg Has Mild Left Shoulder Sprain, Out Against San Antonio Spurs
The Dallas Mavericks announce that rookie star Cooper Flagg suffers a mild left shoulder sprain and will miss Saturday’s home opener against the San Antonio Spurs. An MRI confirmed the injury after Flagg was fouled by Aaron Nesmith with 59.7 seconds left in the first half of the 121‑105 win at Indiana, where he scored 14 points in 17 minutes. Flagg, the 2025 first‑overall pick and last season’s Rookie of the Year, had also poured 32 points in the season‑opening loss at Houston. The team, already dealing with multiple injuries, will re‑evaluate Flagg next week.
‘A Natural Connection’: Kyrie Irving On Tyrese Haliburton’s Return And Coming Back From Major Injury
Kyrie Irving celebrates Tyrese Haliburton’s first home game back after tearing his Achilles in the 2025 NBA Finals, cheering a 121-105 Mavericks win over the Pacers. Irving, who returned from a left‑ACL tear in March 2025, scores 24 points and reflects on the shared injury journey, emphasizing family support and mental resilience. Haliburton posts 18 points, six rebounds and seven assists, though he goes cold from three. The matchup highlights the rivalry between Dallas and Indiana, with the teams set to meet again on Nov. 9 in Dallas.
‘In Good Spirits’: Cooper Flagg To Be Evaluated For Left Shoulder Soreness After Flagrant Foul In Indiana
Cooper Flagg exits the Mavericks’ 121‑105 win over Indiana with left‑shoulder soreness after a flagrant‑1 foul by Aaron Nesmith with 59.7 seconds left in the first half. Flagg finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and a plus‑34 in 17 minutes before the injury forced a substitution. Both Nesmith and Naji Marshall receive technical fouls, and Kyrie Irving urges better on‑court awareness. Coach Dusty May says Flagg is in good spirits but a full evaluation, possibly an MRI, will take a few days. The Mavs, already missing several players, host the Spurs Saturday night.
‘Played Like We Wanted It’: Dallas Mavericks Beat Indiana Pacers 121-105 For Dusty May’s First NBA Win
Dusty May earns his first NBA win as the Dallas Mavericks blow out the Indiana Pacers 121-105 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Oct. 24, 2026. Dallas erupts for 44 points in the opening quarter and leads by as many as 37 before halftime. Kyrie Irving tops the box score with 24 points before fouling out, while P.J. Washington adds a double‑double (20 points, 13 rebounds) and Max Christie contributes 16. The victory evened the Mavericks at 1‑1 after a season‑opening loss to Houston, and Indiana also falls to 1‑1 in its home opener. Post‑game, May notes Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg’s shoulder issue, and the team emphasizes improved pace and transition defense moving forward.
Cooper Flagg Ruled Out For Rest Of Dallas Mavericks’ Game At Indiana Pacers With Left Shoulder Soreness
The Dallas Mavericks eject rookie Cooper Flagg after he sustains left‑shoulder soreness following a flagrant foul by Indiana forward Aaron Nesmith in the first half of Friday’s game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Flagg left the game with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and a block in 17 minutes as Dallas led 77‑43 at halftime. The foul, a flagrant 1 that also earned technical fouls for Nesmith and Dallas’s Naji Marshall, escalated after Marshall confronted Nesmith. This marks the second straight game where Flagg draws a flagrant foul, the first being against Kevin Durant. The Mavericks finish the night with a home‑opening tilt against the San Antonio Spurs Saturday at 7 p.m. CT.
‘We Can Make Something Special Out Of Here’: Walter Clayton Jr. On Joining Dallas Mavericks, Lessons From Rookie Season
Walter Clayton Jr. joins the Dallas Mavericks on a two‑way contract, eager to contribute to a roster mixing youth and veterans under first‑year coach Dusty May. After being waived by Memphis, Clayton, the 2025 first‑round pick who averaged 7.8 points and 4.0 assists with Utah and Memphis, praises the Mavericks’ system and sees “something special” forming. He reflects on staying positive through an 82‑game season, managing time with a tighter schedule, and improving his defensive consistency and point‑guard leadership. Clayton can appear in up to 50 regular‑season games, with the Texas Legends as a G‑League option before the Indiana Pacers matchup at 6 p.m. CT.
‘He’s The Engine For This Team’: Dallas Mavericks Visit Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers In Home Opener
The Mavericks head to Gainbridge Fieldhouse Friday for their first back‑to‑back game, facing a Pacers squad energized by Tyrese Haliburton’s return from a torn Achilles. Indiana, 1‑0 after a 123‑120 win over New Orleans, leans on Haliburton’s 23‑point, 12‑assist effort, Pascal Siakam’s 30‑point night, and new acquisition Kelly Oubre Jr. Dallas, 0‑1 after a 128‑110 loss to Houston, looks to cut the 21 turnovers that fuelled the Rockets’ win. Coach Dusty May stresses faster play and ball‑sharing, while Max Christie calls Haliburton “the engine” for Indiana. Injuries leave several Mavericks doubtful, including Jett Howard.
‘We’re Only Going To Get Better’: Zaccharie Risacher Wants Dallas Mavericks Playing With Pace Against Indiana Pacers
Zaccharie Risacher urges the Mavericks to dictate pace against the Pacers, stressing fast defense and ball‑sharing on offense ahead of Friday’s tip‑off. After a 128‑110 season‑opening loss to the Rockets—his first regular‑season game for Dallas where he contributed 4 points, 6 rebounds and five steals—Risacher emphasizes learning from the defeat and improving Kyrie Irving’s look by creating open opportunities. He highlights the Pacers’ 27 fast‑break points and 15 forced turnovers as a benchmark for the Mavericks’ own tempo. Acquired in a July 19 three‑team trade, Risacher faces a team‑option deadline on Oct. 31, with Dallas hosting the Spurs Saturday night.
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