By Jeff McDonald, Staff Writer | San Antonio Express-News (SAEN), 2024-11-16 23:31:12
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
2024年11月16日，德克萨斯州达拉斯，在美航中心举行的NBA比赛上半场，达拉斯独行侠队的凯里·欧文(Kyrie Irving)11号防守圣安东尼奥马刺队的布雷克·韦斯利(Blake Wesley)14号。
达拉斯——在连续四场一分惜败后，达拉斯独行侠队带着饥渴来到美航中心。
而马刺队则在经历了前一天晚上与洛杉矶湖人队的鏖战后疲惫不堪，并且缺少了几位最重要的得分手。
将这两者放在一起，周六晚上的结果应该并不令人意外。独行侠队在下半场掀起一波得分狂潮，以110-93的比分击败了缺兵少将的马刺队，打破了最近的颓势。
凯里·欧文(Kyrie Irving)为独行侠队拿下22分，替补中锋丹尼尔·加福德(Daniel Gafford)也贡献了22分。
马刺队缺少了球星中锋维克托·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)，他在24小时前与湖人队全明星安东尼·戴维斯的对抗中右膝挫伤。此外，德文·瓦塞尔(Devin Vassell)也因休赛期接受足部手术，尚未被批准参加背靠背比赛。
再加上自11月初以来就因拇指骨折缺阵的杰里米·索汉(Jeremy Sochan)，马刺队在周六的比赛中缺少了他们的前三名得分手。
这一点显而易见。
尽管马刺队在上半场对达拉斯的防守还算可以，但他们仍然难以避免拿到赛季最低得分。
与独行侠队此前输给菲尼克斯、丹佛、金州和犹他的四场比赛不同，这场比赛的胜负并没有到最后一刻才见分晓。
马刺队根本没有足够火力来做到这一点，达拉斯在下半场爆发，将半场55-51的比分拉开。
顶替文班亚马上场的扎克·科林斯(Zach Collins)得到20分，而替补出场的桑德罗·马穆克拉什维利(Sandro Mamukelashvili)得到14分。
.@ CP3
@ zcollins_33 pic.twitter.com/ZuxZmVqSeO
— San Antonio Spurs (@ spurs) November 17, 2024
这远远不足以让马刺队在进入第四节时还能保持竞争力。
以下是周六失利的三个要点，马刺队希望在周二主场迎战状态火热的俄克拉荷马城，参加NBA酋长杯的比赛之前忘记这场失利：
- 马刺队的阵容深度受到了考验，并且大部分都失败了
代理教练米奇·约翰逊在赛前表示，他希望这个缺少人手的夜晚能够成为评估一些通常没有太多上场时间的球员的好工具。
结果证明，情况好坏参半。
桑德罗·马穆克拉什维利在赛季最高的17分钟内得到了赛季最高的14分，但大部分得分都是在垃圾时间得到的。
查尔斯·巴塞(Charles Bassey)获得了本赛季最多的上场时间，在21分钟内表现活跃。但他一分未得，4投0中，包括一次势大力沉的扣篮未进。
科林斯首发出场，取得了一些成果，这是他自上赛季4月10日以来的第一场得分达到20分的比赛。他在罚球线上8罚8中，占据了马刺队30次罚球中的大部分。
2024年11月16日，星期六，在达拉斯举行的NBA篮球比赛下半场，圣安东尼奥马刺队前锋扎克·科林斯(Zach Collins)与达拉斯独行侠队中锋德里克·莱弗利二世(Dereck Lively II)对抗投篮。达拉斯以110-93获胜。（美联社照片/杰弗里·麦克沃特）
科林斯的投篮命中率为13投6中，5次三分出手全部偏出。最低谷出现在第二节，他在连续两个回合中投出了远距离的空心球。
进入第四节时，加福德一人的得分（22分）就超过了整个马刺队的替补席（18分）。
总而言之，这一晚凸显了马刺队不得不缺少的球员的重要性。
- 第三节的表现与上赛季如出一辙
在过去的几个赛季中，马刺队以第三节表现糟糕而闻名，但本赛季初，他们似乎已经 largely 解决了这个问题。
然而，这个问题在周六再次严重出现。
独行侠队在这一节以38-18的比分击败马刺队，将比赛彻底拉开。达拉斯带着93-69的优势进入第四节，对于剩下的马刺队来说，这是无法逾越的鸿沟。
加福德在第三节得到12分，欧文得到11分。
2024年11月16日，星期六，在达拉斯举行的NBA篮球比赛下半场，达拉斯独行侠队中锋丹尼尔·加福德(Daniel Gafford)盖帽了圣安东尼奥马刺队中锋查尔斯·巴塞(Charles Bassey)的投篮。（美联社照片/杰弗里·麦克沃特）
马刺队在这一节22投5中，只能眼睁睁地看着独行侠队一次又一次地将他们的投篮失误转化为轻松得分。
马刺队放弃了抵抗，半场时还势均力敌的比赛变成了一场一边倒的屠杀。
- 琼斯的回归是一个令人欣慰的景象
马刺队虽然缺少了文班亚马和瓦塞尔，但至少迎来了替补控球后卫特雷·琼斯(Tre Jones)的伤愈复出。
琼斯在马刺队的赛季揭幕战中扭伤了左脚踝——巧合的是，那场比赛也是在达拉斯进行的——在缺席了11场比赛后，他回到了“犯罪现场”。
这位效力马刺队五年之久的球员在复出后的状态并不十分理想。琼斯在19分钟内5投1中，得到4次助攻和1次失误。
马刺队希望他能够在适当的时候重新成为他们第二阵容后场的中流砥柱。
“他是球队的老将之一，”约翰逊说。“他了解我们正在努力构建的一些东西。他的回归对我们来说会起到稳定军心的作用。”
在周六这场惨败的混乱中，这一点可能并没有完全体现出来，但马刺队相信，一旦琼斯重新找到状态，这一点就会显现出来。
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs passes the ball away as Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks defends in the first half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots against Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots against Harrison Barnes #40 and Charles Bassey #28 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs drives the ball past Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half of a game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
The Dallas Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford (21) dunks on the San Antonio Spurs’ Zach Collins (23) in the second half at American Airlines Center on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Jaden Hardy #1 of the Dallas Mavericks gestures after a three pointer against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: The Dallas Mavericks tip off against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs watches the game against the Dallas Mavericks in the first quarter at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs watches the game against the Dallas Mavericks in the first quarter at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks passes the ball as he is guarded by Julian Champagnie #30 and Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks dunks on Zach Collins #23 of the San Antonio Spurs in the seconbd half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks gets a shot blocked by Charles Bassey #28 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks holds his leg after a fall in the first half of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots against Quentin Grimes #5 and Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs drives the basket against Quentin Grimes #5 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots against Jaden Hardy #1 and Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks for a shot against Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks walks off the court after the win over the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Naji Marshall #13 of the Dallas Mavericks tries to drive to the basket between Zach Collins #23 of the San Antonio Spurs and Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle shoots over Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving drives the lane past San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, who is out with a knee contusion, reacts to a play during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson yells to his players during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic discusses a call with referee Pat Fraher during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II goes up for a shot against San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving guards San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson runs into Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford as he drives the lane during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford dunks over San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins as Spurs’ guard Chris Paul and Mavericks’ guard Jaden Hardy look on during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) is congratulated by guard Jaden Hardy after a dunk during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, who is out with a knee contusion, reacts to a play during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson gestures to point guard Chris Paul during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy celebrates a dunk in front of San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle and forward Sandro Mamukelashvili during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
San Antonio Spurs guard Blake Wesley drives the lane against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili drives to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
点击查看原文：3 takeaways as Mavericks overwhelm undermanned Spurs
3 takeaways as Mavericks overwhelm undermanned Spurs
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks guards Blake Wesley #14 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks arrived at the AmericanAirlines Center hungry after losing four consecutive one-possession games.
The Spurs arrived tired after a hard-fought loss against the Los Angeles Lakers the night before, and missing a handful of their most important scorers.
Put those two together, and the result Saturday night should not have been surprising. The Mavs used a second-half avalanche to overwhelm the undermanned Spurs 110-93 and break their recent slump.
Kyrie Irving scored 22 points for the Mavericks, who got an additional 22 off the bench from reserve center Daniel Gafford.
The Spurs were playing without star center Victor Wembanyama, who suffered a right knee contusion banging with Lakers’ All-Star Anthony Davis 24 hours earlier, as well Devin Vassell, who has not been cleared for back-to-backs while ramping up from offseason foot surgery.
Add in Jeremy Sochan, who has been out since early November with a broken thumb, and the Spurs were without their three top scorers Saturday.
It showed.
The Spurs struggled to match their lowest-scoring output of the season, even as they defended Dallas marginally well in the first half.
Unlike the Mavericks’ last four games, narrow losses to Phoenix, Denver, Golden State and Utah, this one would not come down to the final possession.
The Spurs just didn’t have the firepower to make that happen, as Dallas used a second-half explosion to blow open a game it led only 55-51 at half.
Zach Collins started in place of Wembanyama and scored 20 points, while Sandro Mamukelashvili threw in 14 off the bench.
.@ CP3
— San Antonio Spurs (@ spurs) November 17, 2024
It wasn’t nearly enough for the Spurs to even keep the game competitive going into the fourth quarter.
Here are three takeaways from Saturday’s loss, which the Spurs will hope to forget by the time they resume NBA Emirates Cup play Tuesday against red-hot Oklahoma City at home:
1. The Spurs’ depth was tested and mostly failed
Acting coach Mitch Johnson said before the game he hoped the short-handed night would be a good evaluation tool for a handful of players who usually don’t get much run.
That proved something of a mixed bag.
Sandro Mamukelashvili scored a season-high 14 points in a season-high 17 minutes, but most of that came in garbage time.
Charles Bassey saw his most action of the season and was active in 21 minutes. He was also scoreless, going 0-for-4 including a powerful missed dunk.
Collins made some hay with his start, recording his first 20-point game since April 10 of last season. He was a perfect 8-of-8 from the foul line, taking the lion’s share of the Spurs’ 30 attempts.
San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins goes up for a shot against Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Collins also went 6 of 13 from the field and missed all five of his 3-point tries. The nadir came in the second quarter, when he launched back-to-back long-distance airballs on consecutive possessions.
Heading into the fourth quarter, Gafford had outscored the entire Spurs’ bench by himself, 22-18.
All in all, the night shown a spotlight on the players the Spurs had to do without.
2. It was a third quarter straight out of last season
A famously poor third-quarter team for the past few years, the Spurs seemed to have largely corrected that issue to start this season.
It cropped up in a big way again Saturday.
The Mavericks blew the game apart by outscoring the Spurs’ 38-18 in the frame. The 93-69 edge Dallas carried into the fourth quarter was insurmountable for what was left of the Spurs.
Gafford had 12 of his points in the third quarter. Irving had 11.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford blocks the shot of San Antonio Spurs center Charles Bassey during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
The Spurs were 5 of 22 in the frame, and could only watch as the Mavericks transformed misfire after misfire into easy baskets.
The Spurs let go of the rope and a tight game at halftime became a laugher.
3. Jones’ return was a welcome sight
The Spurs missed Wembanyama and Vassell but at least were able to welcome backup point guard Tre Jones from the injured list.
Jones sprained his left ankle in the Spurs’ season opener — coincidentally enough at Dallas — and returned to the scene of the crime after an 11-game layoff.
The fifth-year Spur was not exactly sharp in his return. Jones was 1-of-5 from the floor with four assists and a turnover in 19 minutes.
The Spurs are hopeful he can return to being an anchor of their second-unit backcourt in due time.
“He’s one of those guys who has been here for a while,” Johnson said. “He understands some of the things that we’re trying to build upon. Having him back will be kind of a settling presence for us.”
That might not have been totally evident in the chaos of Saturday’s blowout loss, but the Spurs believe it will be once Jones gets his legs under him again.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs passes the ball away as Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks defends in the first half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots against Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots against Harrison Barnes #40 and Charles Bassey #28 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs drives the ball past Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half of a game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
The Dallas Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford (21) dunks on the San Antonio Spurs’ Zach Collins (23) in the second half at American Airlines Center on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Jaden Hardy #1 of the Dallas Mavericks gestures after a three pointer against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: The Dallas Mavericks tip off against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs watches the game against the Dallas Mavericks in the first quarter at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs watches the game against the Dallas Mavericks in the first quarter at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks passes the ball as he is guarded by Julian Champagnie #30 and Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks dunks on Zach Collins #23 of the San Antonio Spurs in the seconbd half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks gets a shot blocked by Charles Bassey #28 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks holds his leg after a fall in the first half of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots against Quentin Grimes #5 and Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs drives the basket against Quentin Grimes #5 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots against Jaden Hardy #1 and Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks for a shot against Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks walks off the court after the win over the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Naji Marshall #13 of the Dallas Mavericks tries to drive to the basket between Zach Collins #23 of the San Antonio Spurs and Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half of an NBA game at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle shoots over Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving drives the lane past San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, who is out with a knee contusion, reacts to a play during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson yells to his players during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic discusses a call with referee Pat Fraher during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II goes up for a shot against San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving guards San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson runs into Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford as he drives the lane during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford dunks over San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins as Spurs’ guard Chris Paul and Mavericks’ guard Jaden Hardy look on during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) is congratulated by guard Jaden Hardy after a dunk during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, who is out with a knee contusion, reacts to a play during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
San Antonio Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson gestures to point guard Chris Paul during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy celebrates a dunk in front of San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle and forward Sandro Mamukelashvili during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
San Antonio Spurs guard Blake Wesley drives the lane against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili drives to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Dallas. Dallas won 110-93. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
By Jeff McDonald, Staff Writer, via San Antonio Express-News