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3 takeaways from Mavericks' preseason wins over Bucks

3 takeaways from Mavericks' preseason wins over Bucks
Posted on | Posted on angela

The Dallas Mavericks dominated the undermanned Milwaukee Bucks in the preseason finale on Thursday night, earning a 109-84 victory. While Dallas didn't have Luka Doncic, the Bucks played without Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis. Dallas should have blown this game up, and they did.

Because it couldn't have been a full dress rehearsal for the Mavs, with a few key pieces missing, it didn't have the same impact it could have. Jason Kidd's entire goal for the game was to come out healthy, which they appear to have accomplished. But there were still a few things that needed to be taken away from it.

READ MORE: Mavericks dominate short-handed Bucks in preseason finale

Kyrie Irvin

Oct. 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Kyrie Irving broke his hand and needed surgery over the summer, and every time that happens, you worry that a player might not be the same when the season begins. Worry no more because Irving was in action for the first 12 minutes of this game, scoring 12 points on perfect 5/5 shooting. He also hit some tough shots, went for threes in transition, disappeared out of bounds, and still hit contested mid-range shots…he looks like he's ready to go.

Dereck Lively I

Oct. 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) tries to pass while Milwaukee Bucks center Anzejs Pasecniks (18) defends during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

If preseason is any indication, Jason Kidd plans on making a lot more dribble handoffs this season. Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford were constantly on the perimeter, passing passes to screens, throwing backdoor passes to cutters and helping create space for shooters like Klay Thompson. This is evidenced by Gafford having three assists against the Bucks and Lively having five assists against the Clippers. This is a nice little crease for Kidd to open up the floor even more.

Spencer Dinwiddi

Oct. 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) drives to the basket as Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) defends during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Spencer Dinwiddie was the biggest disappointment of the preseason. While he scored 8 points against the Bucks, his preseason point totals are 6.3 PPG at just under 18 MPG while shooting 29.6% from the floor, 27.3% from three and 66.7% from beyond the arc Free throw line shot. He just hasn't played well, and with Jaden Hardy leading the team in preseason rushing, Hardy should see more minutes as a reserve guard.

READ MORE: Mavericks starter reveals three goals for next season

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