Dallas Hoops Journal
We extensively cover the professional basketball teams in the Dallas area, including the Mavs and Wings.
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‘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.
Golden State Warriors’ Kristaps Porziņģis Was ‘Detached’ And ‘Uninterested’ At Jimmy Butler’s Player-Led Camp
Golden State Warriors big man Kristaps Porziņģis was "detached" and "uninterested" at Jimmy Butler's player-led camp in San Diego in late September, according to Anthony Slater of ESPN.
Santi Aldama, Dereck Lively II Out Again As Dallas Mavericks List Jett Howard Doubtful At Indiana Pacers
The Mavericks enter Friday’s game at Indiana with a laundry list of absentees: Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberović, Dereck Lively II and Caleb Martin are all ruled out, while rookie Jett Howard is doubtful with right‑calf tightness. All four missed the 128‑110 season‑opening loss to Houston, and Howard sat out that game as well. Kyrie Irving returns after a 597‑day hiatus, but no injury news for him. The Pacers list Aaron Nesmith and Ben Sheppard as questionable. Tip‑off is 6 p.m. CT at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
‘Chomping At The Bit A Little Bit’: Kyrie Irving Details His Minutes Plan And Dallas Mavericks’ Changed Medical Staff
Kyrie Irving returns to the court for the Dallas Mavericks’ season opener, checking out after 3:51 minutes in a 128-110 loss to the Houston Rockets. He logged 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting in 23:45, marking his first regular‑season appearance since tearing his left ACL on March 3, 2025. Irving explains his limited minutes are a blend of a cautious ramp‑up plan and the Mavericks’ revamped medical staff, which now includes Nico Berg as executive director of health and performance and Ally Wade as director of mind health. He emphasizes needing to be more aggressive early, adjusting to shorter stints, and staying patient while the new health team fine‑tunes his load.
‘We Still Need To Come Out With A Level Of Urgency’: Max Christie On What Dallas Mavericks Take From Houston Into Indiana
Max Christie says the Mavericks must bring urgency after a 128-110 season‑opening loss to the Houston Rockets, where Dallas trailed 70-38 at halftime and fell behind by 37 points in the third quarter. Despite winning the final two quarters, the team shot 2‑of‑8 overall and struggled defensively in transition. Christie highlights the need to improve fast‑break defense and create better shot looks, especially against the fast‑paced Indiana Pacers on Friday at 6 p.m. CT. He also notes the learning curve with Kyrie Irving’s return and the integration of new players like Cooper Flagg.
‘It Was In Consideration For Sure’: LeBron James Admits He Almost Signed With Cleveland Cavaliers Instead Of Philadelphia 76ers
After the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday (10/22), LeBron James told reporters that he almost signed with the Cavaliers instead of the 76ers.
‘A Blessing To Be Back’: Marist Liufau Returns To Dallas Cowboys Practice As 21-Day Window Opens After Forearm Fracture
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau returned to practice Thursday, opening his 21‑day window to be activated from injured reserve after a forearm fracture suffered against the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 28. The third‑round pick, who logged 30 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in 2025, says he feels great and is grateful to be back with the defense. Liufau highlighted the support of teammates, praised rookie Jaishawn Barham’s play‑calling, and noted DeMarvion Overshown’s pending return. Dallas held the Packers to 57 rushing yards and forced three sacks on Oct. 18, and now heads to Philadelphia for a Monday night showdown.
‘The Best Ability Is Availability’: Cobie Durant Returns To Dallas Cowboys Practice After Missing 4 Games With Hamstring Injury
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Cobie Durant returns to limited practice on Thursday after missing four games with a hamstring injury sustained in the week‑2 37-20 win over Washington. Durant says his top asset is "availability" and feels great, though he remains cautious. Hamstring issues have plagued Dallas this season, also sidelining linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, safety Alijah Clark and tackle Drew Shelton. Durant, who watched the secondary from the sideline, emphasizes the need for more takeaways—Dallas has just one interception in six games—as they gear up for Monday night at Philadelphia, where the Eagles will start QB Tanner McKee.
‘Show The World’: Javonte Williams Calls For Faster Starts, Better Run-Pass Balance Before Philadelphia Eagles Game
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams urges a quicker start and a more balanced run‑pass attack ahead of the Monday night showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles. After a 23‑13 loss to Green Bay, where he logged 11 carries for 41 yards and a TD, Williams notes the team has trailed too often and relied on 54 pass attempts. He cites his 3.7‑yard per‑carry average this season, down from a 4.8‑yard average in 2025, and stresses communication on blitz pickups and pre‑snap IDs. Both the Cowboys and Eagles sit at 2‑4 in the NFC East, making the 7:15 p.m. CT game a critical test for Dallas.
‘Be A Game Changer’: Quinnen Williams Admits He Has Not Played To His Standard As Dallas Cowboys Head To Philadelphia
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams admits he’s fallen short of his own standards in a 2-4 season, despite a $105.9 million, three‑year extension and four straight Pro Bowls. Williams, traded from the Jets in November 2025, highlighted the need to tighten the defensive line, citing improvements in pass rush with Kenny Clark and run defense on early downs. He noted a sack and two tackles for loss in the 23‑13 loss to Green Bay and stressed that the coaching staff and roster, including new DT Otito Ogbonnia and cornerback Joey Porter Jr., have the potential to turn things around as the Cowboys head to Philadelphia.
‘Tough Profession For Tough People’: Brian Schottenheimer Says Criticism Comes With The Territory As Dallas Cowboys Sit At 2-4
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer opens up about the criticism he’s faced as the team slips to a 2-4 start. After 24-16 home loss to Tampa Bay (Oct. 8) and 23-13 defeat at Green Bay (Oct. 18), he says some critique is deserved and leans on his pastor, former Navy SEALs, and NFL peers like Bill Cowher to stay grounded. Schottenheimer, who went 7-9-1 in his debut 2025 season, highlights the emotional toll of coaching and his resolve to improve before Monday’s visit to the Philadelphia Eagles. Jerry Jones hints the Cowboys could be active at the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
‘D-Mo Worked Back In Today’: DeMarvion Overshown Returns To Dallas Cowboys Practice As Dee Winters, KaVontae Turpin Sit
Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown returns to full practice Thursday, his first since a Week 1 hamstring injury, as the team gears up for Monday night at Philadelphia. Coach Brian Schottenheimer confirms Dee Winters (Achilles strain) and returner KaVontae Turpin (rib cartilage injury) will sit out, likely missing the Eagles game. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr., acquired from Pittsburgh, remains limited by an ankle issue, while rookie Cobie Durant and linebacker Marist Liufau (returning from a forearm fracture) are also nursing injuries. The Eagles list 24 players on their own injury report ahead of the 7:15 p.m. CT kickoff.
‘I Wanna Help Him Get The MVP’: Trae Young Eager To Help Anthony Davis Have Special Season With Washington Wizards After Stellar Debut
It's only one game, but Trae Young and Anthony Davis looked really good together in their first official contest as teammates on the Washington Wizards.
‘I Lost All Respect’: Golden State Warriors’ Yaxel Lendeborg Rips Los Angeles Lakers Star Luka Dončić For ‘Whining And Complaining’
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg held nothing back following his NBA debut, revealing he lost all respect for Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić over his relentless foul-baiting and constant complaining to the referees.
‘I Think We Needed It’: What The Dallas Mavericks Learned From Their 38-12 Second Quarter In Houston
In the Mavericks' season‑opener, Houston ripped a 38‑12 second quarter, turning a 70‑38 halftime lead into a 128‑110 win. Dallas scored on just 6 of 30 possessions, went 0‑14 from three, and committed eight turnovers that yielded 11 Rockets points. Coach Dusty May blamed lost composure and a lapse in transition defense—an area the team emphasized in camp. Key contributors included Morez Johnson Jr. (two makes) and a handful of free‑throw points, while Houston’s fast‑breaks and efficient shooting (13‑19 field goals, 9‑13 at the line) sealed the game. The article dissects the breakdown and lessons Dallas hopes to apply moving forward.
‘The Human Element Hit Me’: Kyrie Irving Returns For Dallas Mavericks After 597 Days, Scores 15 In Loss To Houston Rockets
Kyrie Irving makes his first regular‑season appearance in 597 days, scoring 15 points as the Dallas Mavericks fall 128‑110 to the Houston Rockets on Oct. 22, 2026. Irving, who tore his ACL on March 3, 2025, logged 23:45 minutes, shooting 6‑of‑9, and added four rebounds, two assists and a turnover. He returned after a $119 million three‑year deal and a preseason stint in Macau, noting the "human element" and nerves in his comeback. The Mavericks, who went 26‑56 without him last season, now look to reintegrate the nine‑time All‑Star into a shortened rotation.
‘Starting The Domino Effect’: Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg Sets NBA Record For Most Points By A Teenager In A Season Opener
Cooper Flagg set an NBA record for most points by a teenager in a season opener, scoring 32 in Dallas' 128-110 loss to the Houston Rockets on Oct. 22, 2026. The 19‑year‑old shot 10‑of‑17 from the field, hit a decisive step‑back jumper with 4:33 left, and added 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and a block. Flagg broke Lamar Odom's 1999 mark of 30 points and continues a standout rookie year after earning 2025 Rookie of the Year and a 51‑point game last season. Coach Dusty May highlighted Flagg's aggressiveness and free‑throw reliability as key to the Mavericks' offensive shift.
‘Always Fun Playing Here’: Marcus Sasser Scores 17 In Dallas Mavericks Regular-Season Debut Back In Houston
Marcus Sasser nets 17 points off the bench in the Dallas Mavericks’ 128-110 season‑opening loss to the Houston Rockets on Oct. 22, 2026. The former University of Houston star, a 2023 first‑round pick who spent three seasons with Detroit, shoots 6‑of‑8 overall and 4‑of‑5 from three, adding a rebound, assist and steal in just under 24 minutes. After missing the first three preseason games with adductor tightness, Sasser says playing in front of familiar Houston fans is “always fun.” He highlights a more aggressive second‑half approach, scoring 14 points after halftime and citing confidence from teammates like Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks acquired Sasser in a July 8, six‑team trade that also brought Santi Aldama and the rights to Tarik Biberović.
Philadelphia Eagles Get Major Saquon Barkley Injury Update Before Dallas Cowboys Showdown
Saquon Barkley is slated to practice Thursday and could suit up for the Eagles' Monday night clash with the Dallas Cowboys, ending a hamstring layoff that began on Oct. 4 against the Rams. Philadelphia enters the game 2‑4, having lost four straight and missing Barkley, Jalen Hurts (now on IR with a blood clot) and other backs. Dameon Pierce has shouldered the rushing load, but the Eagles have managed just 57 yards without Barkley. The Cowboys, coming off back‑to‑back losses, will look to exploit Philadelphia’s depleted roster. Kickoff is 7:15 p.m. CT at Lincoln Financial Field.
‘We Let Go Of The Rope’: Dallas Mavericks Fall To Houston Rockets 128-110 In Opener As Cooper Flagg Scores 32
The Houston Rockets dominate the Dallas Mavericks 128-110 in the season opener, building a 32‑point halftime lead after outscoring Dallas 38‑12 in the second quarter. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg sets an NBA record for a teen with 32 points, while Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. each add 30 for Houston. Kyrie Irving returns after a torn ACL, contributing 15 points, and Fred VanVleet records 11 assists in his comeback. Dallas struggles, shooting 4‑of‑19 in the second period and missing all 14 three‑point attempts, resulting in eight turnovers. Coach Dusty May cites missed breaks and loss of composure as key factors in the loss.
‘Very Familiar With Walt’: Dusty May Details Ties To Walter Clayton Jr. After Dallas Mavericks Sign Former Florida Star
Dallas Mavericks sign former Florida star Walter Clayton Jr. to a two‑way contract, activating him for the season opener against the Houston Rockets. Coach Dusty May, who coached Clayton at FAU and whose son roomed with him at Florida, says he knows the 2025 national champion well. Clayton, the 2025 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, was waived by Memphis and cleared by Dallas after John Poulakidas was released. He will wear No. 1, can appear in up to 50 regular‑season games, and may be assigned to the G League Texas Legends. In his rookie year with Utah and Memphis, he averaged 7.8 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists.
‘Challenge His Catches’: Dusty May Lays Out Dallas Mavericks’ Plan For Houston Rockets’ Kevin Durant
Dallas Mavericks head coach Dusty May, making his NBA debut on Oct. 21, outlines a game plan to pressure Kevin Durant in the Mavericks' season opener at the Toyota Center. May wants Durant to take tougher shots, work harder on defense, and avoid easy baskets, while stressing the importance of executing against Houston’s frequent switching defenses. The article notes Durant’s career‑scoring rank, his 26.0‑point average last season, and recent exhibition results in Macao where both teams fielded different lineups. The Mavericks and Rockets will meet three more times this season (Oct. 30, Jan. 1, Jan. 31).
‘Quickness To The Ball’: Dusty May Stresses Physicality Before Dallas Mavericks’ Opener At Houston Rockets
Dallas Mavericks coach Dusty May stresses physicality and quickness to the ball ahead of the season‑opening clash with the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Oct. 21. May, hired June 23 after winning the 2026 NCAA title with Michigan, points to the Rockets' toughness—highlighted in two recent exhibition games in Macao (Houston 135‑117 on Oct. 9, Dallas 132‑115 on Oct. 11) where Kyrie Irving returned with 17 points. He outlines defensive plans against Kevin Durant (26.0 ppg last season) and emphasizes limiting fouls on jump shooters while navigating Houston’s switching defense. The coach also praises Houston’s roster, noting Marcus Smart’s defense and the versatile big Alperen Şengün.
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