National Basketball Association

Dallas Mavericks Lose to New Orleans Pelicans in Preseason Opener

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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After a long offseason of no basketball, we finally got to see some Dallas Mavericks action in Louisiana.

They faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans in their first preseason game. In the end the Mavs lost 116-102 in a fast paced, entertaining game.

Four starters didn’t make the trip to Shreveport, LA for the Mavericks, giving plenty of youngsters a chance to shine.

One of the most anticipated aspects of tonight’s game was that it was Harrison Barnes first game as a Dallas Maverick. He didn’t disappoint as he provided 12 points and 2 assists in only 17 minutes.

Second year fan favorite Justin Anderson, or Simba, led the team tonight with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal. Rick Carlisle had already mentioned Simba’s improvement over the offseason, making fans even more excited about his big game tonight.

Other key contributors were new comer Seth Curry with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block. Also Nic Brussino provided 13 points and Jonathan Gibson had 10.

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For the majority of the fourth quarter, it was just the partial guaranteed guys playing for the Mavericks as the coaching staff deliberates on who makes the final roster. With Rick Carlisle mentioning in camp this week that seven players are fighting for two spots, the competition will only heat up.

Now the Mavericks return to Dallas where they host their first home game on Monday against the Charlotte Hornets. It is unclear at this moment on who exactly will play, but you would assume the same veterans will probably sit this game out also.

Keep an eye on both Collinsworth and Gibson playing the point while Brussino and Finney-Smith fight for minutes at the small forward spot.

Full Box Score Here.

Tune in to The Smoking Cuban for more preseason coverage and analysis as the Mavs get their season underway.

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