Dallas Mavericks: 5 takeaways from the season opening loss to Suns

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks season opener vs. Suns: 4. Don’t panic over poor shooting

The Mavs were seven of 25 from the field in the first quarter. They settled for too many jumpers and the ball movement was not outstanding, but there will not be many instances where Dallas shoots 28.0 percent for 12 minutes. The Mavericks followed it up with eight of 22 in the second quarter.

Luka Doncic found his footing and the Mavs offense got their groove in the second half. They were 21 of 38 from the field and 11 of 13 on free throws. It was a slow start that can be blamed on nerves and trying to do too much to start the season.

The Mavericks struggled from 3-point range all game. They finished nine of 37 on Wednesday night. Dallas made nine or fewer threes just six times last season. They had a record of two wins and four losses in those games including losing all four when they hit less than nine.

Shooting poorly from 3-point range is a trend against the Suns. Three of the four times Dallas made eight or fewer threes last season came against Phoenix. The Mavericks lost each of those games.

Chalk it up to a bad night. Expect the Mavericks to lead the league in 3-pointers made this season and to bounce back against the Lakers on Christmas Day.

Next: No. 3