Despite taking the court without six of their top contributors and falling to a 116-102 defeat against New Orleans in the preseason opener Saturday night, the Dallas Mavericks still saw some encouraging signs as they kicked off the seven-game exhibition schedule.
Traveling to Bossier City, La., without 13-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki, starting center Andrew Bogut, point guard Deron Williams, swingman Wesley Matthews and veteran reserve Devin Harris, the Mavericks (0-1) put up a fight for the better part of four quarters before eventually falling to their Southwest Division rival. Meanwhile, backup big man Salah Mejri sat out as he continues to rehab from right knee surgery this summer to further handicap Dallas' shorthanded lineup.
The Mavs leaned heavily on their young contributors Saturday night without the services of several veteran leaders, finishing with five players in double figures as second-year standout Justin Anderson scored 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting, grabbed five rebounds, dished out three assists and collected a steal to lead the way in a losing effort. New addition Harrison Barnes was also impressive, scoring 12 points on 3 of 8 from the field in less than 18 minutes of work. Now, with Bogut and Matthews possibly set to return to the lineup, the Mavericks will attempt to put forth a better performance while hosting the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on Monday night.
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