2 newest Mavericks fall flat in win over Spurs despite sky-high expectations

The Dallas Mavericks began their 2024-25 season with a 120-109 win against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. Defeating an in-state rival on national television is a strong opening statement to begin the season, and there were plenty of things to love about this game if you're a Mavs fan.

While most of the talk leading up to the game was about Klay Thompson making his Mavericks debut and Luka Doncic vs Victor Wembanyama, the Mavericks also had some other players making their Maverick debuts.

Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes both had high expectations from fans going into the season opener in their Maverick debuts. Both of them joined the Mavericks this past offseason. Unfortunately, the first game for both of them in a Maverick jersey is a game they would both like to forget.

Marshall and Grimes struggle to find rhythm in Mavericks debuts

In the win, both Marshall and Grimes had very similar stat lines. Marshall finished the game by recording two points on 1-6 shooting from the field and missing two 3-pointers. Grimes also finished the game by recording two points on 1-6 shooting from the field but missed one 3-pointer.

Marshall recorded his first points as a Maverick in the third quarter and Grimes recorded his first points as a Maverick in the fourth quarter. For both Marshall and Grimes to score just two points each, is a huge downer in the opening win.

Marshall entered this season with the Mavericks as an underrated forward who has shown the ability to produce scoring and play good defense over the past four seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans. Marshall recorded no blocks and just one rebound but did have three assists in 21 minutes.

As for Grimes, a fresh start was needed in Dallas after playing on the struggling Detroit Pistons to end last season. Even with Grimes being able to play great defense and knock down 3-pointers, he showed his inconsistency as a young player still. Outside of his two points, Grimes didn't pick up any stats and played just 15 minutes in the win.

It's important for both Marshall and Grimes to not get too down on themselves after making a poor debut, as well as the Maverick fans. First-game jitters are always a thing and head coach Jason Kidd needs to get every player on board with his system to coach them. Kidd showed his immense trust in them in this game as they combined to play 36 minutes. Grimes was the first player off the bench, and although it wasn't shown last night, he is bound to have a great year in Dallas.

Neither player was fully able to impact the game much offensively, but their defense will be huge all season long. They both bring great energy and grit on that end, and they impacted the game against the Spurs in that way whether the stat sheet says it or not.

The Mavericks will be back in action tomorrow night in Phoenix against the Phoenix Suns and it offers both Marshall and Grimes to make a better impact from game one. They'll have their hands full in this game as they'll have to defend Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, but both players will be ready for that assignment.