The Dallas Mavericks are on a roll winning their last two preseason outings. Dallas' latest victory was against the Atlanta Hawks who they beat 108-94 at the McCamish Pavilion on Thursday. Unfortunately, one key player for the Mavericks went down during the game. In the second quarter, rookie Dennis Smith Jr. suffered a left ankle sprain while being defended by the Hawks' Dennis Schroder.
Smith left the game after the sustaining the injury and never returned for the Mavericks. He finished with nine points, one rebound, and three assists in 13 minutes on the hardwood.
In a report on the team's website, head coach Rick Carlisle is confident that the injury is a minor one. Carlisle even thinks that it is possible for the 19-year-old to participate in their preseason finale, which is happening today at the Spectrum Center.
According to NBA.com, Smith entered Thursday's matchup with the Hawks averaging 11.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game this preseason.
Scoring leaders
In the absence of Dennis Smith Jr., many stepped up for the Dallas Mavericks. A total of six players scored in double figures for the Mavs. Gian Clavell led them with 19 points off the bench. Clavell's fellow second unit members Maximilian Kleber (16), PJ Dozier (14), and Maalik Wayns (10) also lit it up on offense.
Dwight Powell and Yogi Ferrell represented the starters as they contributed 11 points each. For the Atlanta Hawks, there were only two players who made it to the double-digit scoring club. These were starters, Kent Bazemore and Taurean Prince. Bazemore recorded 20 points, while Prince added 11.
Schedules
As mentioned, the Dallas Mavericks still has a game left on their preseason schedule.
Today, they will visit the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. The Mavs are looking to end their campaign with a 5-1 record. Charlotte, on the other hand, is seeking for just its second victory this preseason. The Hornets are currently at 1-3. Hopefully, Dennis Smith Jr. is available for the game.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks closed their preseason with the defeat to Dallas.
The rebuilding Hawks had an inconsistent run in this year's preseason that led to a 2-3 record. Now they are preparing for their regular series opener which is happening on October 18. Atlanta is going to meet the Mavericks again to begin its new season. The game is the first of a five-game road trip for the Hawks.
