Grading the Mavericks: A strong start hidden under mixed results

Writer David Trink argues that the Dallas Mavericks enjoyed a promising start to the 2026-27 season despite opening with a 1-2 record. Dallas dropped games against the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs around a road victory over the Indiana Pacers. Trink grades the team's overall opening week as a B+, citing strong stretches across all three games and effective deliberate play under head coach Dusty May.

Cooper Flagg earned high praise after averaging 23 points across his appearances before suffering a shoulder injury against Indiana. Trink also highlights rookie Sergio de Larrea's 21-point performance against the Spurs as a major bright spot, while criticizing May's heavy early substitution patterns during the season-opening loss to Houston.