The Locker Room Vibe Is Real
The Dallas Mavericks are not just hoping for a good season; the players say the chemistry is already there before the first tip-off. P.J. Washington told reporters on Thursday that the group simply likes each other, a rare trait in the NBA.
This trip to Macao is not a distraction but a massive chance to lock in that bond. Washington stated, “It’s been great. I mean, we’ve spent a lot of time together and the season hasn’t even started. I think everybody pretty much likes each other.”
Daniel Gafford agrees with that assessment and adds that the mood is energetic, not tense. He sees no one walking on eggshells around the new faces. “I feel like it’s been good. We’ve always been around each other. Anytime that we are around each other, it’s all smiles, it’s energetic, the atmosphere is great,” Gafford said.
The team flew in from Dallas and went straight to work at The Venetian Arena. They are building something solid with Kyrie Irving back from his torn left ACL.
Young Stars and Old Veterans Clicking
The real story here is how quickly the new pieces fit with the old stars. Cooper Flagg, the Rookie of the Year, has put up numbers that only Michael Jordan reached as a rookie. Kyrie Irving sees this and knows the future is bright.
Per Dallas Sports Journal, Irving said, “He’s a rookie coming in and putting up stats that only Michael Jordan was reaching. It’s no gas. It’s all real. It’s all facts with that kid.” Flagg scored 51 points against Orlando in April and became the youngest player to ever hit that mark.
Naji Marshall noted that the pairing of Irving and Flagg is “gonna get scary” once they play together in a real game. This series sees the team play the Houston Rockets on Friday and Sunday. Houston went 52-30 last season and lost in the first round, so they are a tough test.
Dallas finished 26-56, but the roster is reshaped with Zaccharie Risacher and draft pick Morez Johnson Jr. Max Christie believes this is one of the most together teams he has seen at this point in the season.
Why Macao Matters More Than You Think
Some might call this a fun trip, but the players see it as vital preparation. The time change and long flight are hurdles, but the group is using basketball as a vehicle to bond. Irving explained, “So basketball being utilized as a vehicle for us is something that we all talk about amongst each other, and it’s a great bonding trip as well.” They are learning new people like Zach, Tarik, and Sergio while getting up and down the court.
Cooper Flagg wants to compete hard no matter who is on the court. He said, “I think just going out and competing, showing the change in culture and the mindset for our team, and showing that we’re going to compete really, really hard, no matter who’s on the court, no matter what lineup.”
Coach Dusty May wants to test lineup combinations in a real game environment. The regular season opens on Oct. 21 at Houston, but the work starts now. The arena holds about 14,000 fans, and Marshall is eager to see it full. “This arena is fire. Beautiful,” Marshall said. “Yeah, I can’t wait to see it fill up. Definitely excited for tonight.”
