3 takeaways as Dallas Mavericks dominate Memphis Grizzlies in home opener

The Dallas Mavericks bounced back from their season-opening loss to dominate the Memphis Grizzlies 137-96 on Oct. 22. Luka Doncic had 21 points in the first quarter as he led the Mavs to 39, and they never looked back. It was an impressive home opener for Dallas against the reigning division champion Grizzlies.

Memphis was on the second night of a back-to-back, but they were quickly played off the floor on Saturday night. The Grizzlies were dominated from the opening tip at the American Airlines Center, and they never got into the game. The blowout allowed Mavericks second-round pick, Jaden Hardy, to make his NBA debut, and multiple Grizzlies got their first action.

What can Mavs fans take away from the home opening win over Memphis? It was a quality victory against one of the best teams in the Western Conference, so there was plenty to learn on Saturday night. Here are the three biggest takeaways.

Takeaway as Dallas Mavericks dominate Grizzlies in home opener: 3. C-Wood changes game

Christian Wood is coming off the bench for the Mavs, but that has not stopped him from making a massive impact in the first two games. He had 25 points in the season opener, and things came apart in the fourth quarter when he headed to the bench. Wood may have been even better on Saturday night.

The 6’10 forward is forming a connection with Luka Doncic that makes the Mavericks' offense unstoppable. See Dallas turn a number 77 block into a C-Wood slam dunk on the other end from the third quarter.

Wood finished 25 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and one block in 25 minutes of action. The 6’10 forward was six of 12 from the field, and he bounced back from the foul line. After making just three of ten in the opener, C-Wood went 12 of 14 in the win over the Grizzlies.

Christian Wood makes the Dallas Mavericks offense unstoppable. He can score from anywhere on the floor, and he is just getting started in Dallas.