The Smoking Cuban
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The Mavericks Continue Their Hot Start in the Preseason

By Sean Bush

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 4: Sneakers of Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks during the game against the Chicago Bulls on October 4, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 4: Sneakers of Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks during the game against the Chicago Bulls on October 4, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks move to 2-0 in the preseason with a 118-71 blowout win over the Chicago Bulls in Dallas.

The Dallas Mavericks played another great game tonight to improve their record to 2-0 in the preseason.

The starters kicked the game off strong, taking a 30-26 lead at the end of the 1st period. The team held onto the lead for almost the entirety of the game from that point before finishing with a 118-71 win.

TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 11: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 11: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images) /

Dennis Smith Jr. looked great all night and routinely made the smart play, an encouraging sign for the rookie. He scored in a variety of ways including hitting a pair of threes, a deep two, an AND-1 contested mid-range jumper, a coast-to-coast athletic finish, and added some points at the free throw line as well.

The most encouraging part of the rookie’s game through two games has probably been his defense. His elite athleticism and offense was almost expected but his defense in college was advertised as inconsistent at best. He’s looked great on that end and added 2 steals tonight. Smith finished with 14 points 2 rebounds and 3 assists in only 18 minutes of action.

Harrison Barnes also played well, finishing with 17 points and 4 rebounds in 26 minutes. He showed off his smooth mid-range stroke and made some determined drives to the hoop. An area of focus for the athletic forward has been to draw more fouls, he finished 4-4 from the free throw line tonight.

DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 04: Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks controls the ball against Justin Holiday #7 of the Chicago Bulls in the first half at American Airlines Center on October 4, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 04: Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks controls the ball against Justin Holiday #7 of the Chicago Bulls in the first half at American Airlines Center on October 4, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Dirk, JJ Barea, and Devin Harris were among the other standouts in the regular rotation. Dirk had a game-high 9 rebounds in only 17 minutes. Look for the big fella’s rebounding numbers to take a jump as his minutes will be mostly at the center position this season.

JJ and Devin finished with 11 and 8 respectively and did a nice job of running the offense when Smith was on the bench. Yogi-mania has continued into this pre-season as the young guard had another good game with 10 points and 3 assists.

Nerlens Noel seems to be building some rapport with his guards, catching a couple of lobs, one from Wes Matthews and one from Dennis Smith. The bouncy big was extremely active and energetic on the defensive end as well.

Finally, Gian Clavell stole the show once again in the 4th quarter as he continues his quest to earn a roster spot. The rookie guard has displayed some 3-and-D potential and looks like he belongs on an NBA roster. Clavell finished with 12 points in only 11 minutes.

Next: Meshing Will Take Time for the Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks will look to keep this momentum going into tomorrow when they take on the Magic in Orlando. LET’S GO MAVS!

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