3 takeaways from Dallas Mavericks preseason opening win over Thunder

The Dallas Mavericks opened the preseason on Oct. 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder without Luka Doncic. The team rested their superstar along with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Maxi Kleber. JaVale McGee and Davis Bertans were out with injuries as Dallas is taking things lightly this preseason, but things got interesting in Tulsa.

Mavericks rookie Jaden Hardy took over in the fourth quarter to lift Dallas to a comeback victory. He only had five points in the first three quarters, but he scored 16 in the final period as his team completed their 98-96 comeback victory. Hardy has been impressive so far this preseason, and that continued in the preseason opener. He was 8 of 16 from the field, including hitting four 3-pointers in his first preseason game.

What can Dallas Mavericks fans take away from the team’s preseason-opening win over the Thunder without Luka Doncic? Here are three things.

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks preseason opener: 3. Wright IV shows he belongs

The Mavs need another ball-handler after the departure of Jalen Brunson free agency. They have an open roster spot, but the team is unlikely to fill it at the start of the regular season. Dallas does have a two-way spot to fill, and they are likely to keep one of the five non-guaranteed players in training camp for the position.

McKinley Wright IV took the lead in that competition with his performance in the preseason opener. The six-foot guard showed off his ball-handling and playmaking ability against the Thunder on his way to eight points and ten assists in 22 minutes of action.

Wright IV played five games with the Timberwolves last season, and he looked NBA-ready on Oct. 5. The 23-year-old ran the offense, and he will be a massive asset for the Mavericks on a two-way deal. He can be the lead ball-handler for the Texas Legends in the G League and play spot minutes for the Mavericks when he is needed. Consider him in the lead for that open position.