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Mavs-Hawks Preseason Quoteboard: “We didn’t guard the ball nearly as well as we’re capable of.”

The Dallas Mavericks (1-3) fell to the Atlanta Hawks (4-1), 135-111, in Friday’s final preseason tuneup before the 2026-27 regular season starts on Wednesday. Here is what first-year head coach Dusty May, rookie big man Morez Johnson Jr. and new…

By Matt Martinez · Mavs Moneyball

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 9:03 AM

Key Things to Know

Mavericks head coach Dusty May criticized the team's perimeter defense following a preseason loss to Atlanta.
The Dallas Mavericks fell to the Atlanta Hawks 135-111 in their final preseason game.
Zaccharie Risacher produced a strong second-half performance against his former team.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Following a 135-111 preseason loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks head coach Dusty May criticized his team's ball defense and pointed out defensive rebounding struggles. May noted that while Dallas showed promising ball movement with 30 assists on 40 made field goals, poor containment and 11 second-half turnovers allowed Atlanta to maintain control.

New Mavericks swingman Zaccharie Risacher reflected on facing his former team, acknowledging the need for faster starts despite a strong second half. Rookie big man Morez Johnson Jr. also returned from injury, recording seven rebounds in 14 minutes off the bench.

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Mavs-Hawks Preseason Quoteboard: “We didn’t guard the ball nearly as well as we’re capable of.”

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