Dallas Mavericks made a triumphant return to the NBA court post Luka Doncic era after winning their pre-season game against reigning champions Oklahoma City Thunder, 106-89. The core of the team got minutes they need in preparation for the new season. A total of 15 players was fielded by Jason Kidd.
The team recently previewed their new look squad saying anybody can be part of the starting five. Right now, the first five are D’Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg, Dereck Lively II, and Anthony Davis. These guys saw playing time together on the court and fans observed that the ball moved a lot.
Lively II credits this to their new offensive system.
“We’ve got a lot of movement, we’re always agile, we’re not just sitting around watching someone back someone down,” he said.
“There’s a lot of movement, a lot of rolling, trying to get to the next path, trying to get to the next man. If we keeping moving the ball, keep moving the rock, we’re gonna get it to the open man with realizing it.”
Was it directed towards Luka Doncic?
The third year center’s statement matches his teammates’ earlier statement saying several members of the team are capable.
The style of play, however, is opposite of what they had when they still got Doncic who plays isolation ball although effective. This is why some fans are on Lively’s case for his statement. Some even got receipts.
-DLive just added to the hate watch list
-until he changes this is how a lot of Luka’s ex teammates will throw a shot at him https://t.co/RgCcvVD3D6— Ahcene 007 (@Ahcenelife007) October 6, 2025
Lively owes his rookie year to Luka. Why diss him now? https://t.co/fXyenoLHDP
— Doc (@DrNowitzki) October 6, 2025
Lmao he was the number one Luka lob. He ain’t on that. Horrible journalism https://t.co/YktE2z8378
— Jma💲 (@jmas_96) October 6, 2025
FYI, Mavs fans 👇 https://t.co/mIkp9lbPbZ
— SLO HOOPS FAN 🇸🇮 (@SloHoopsFan) October 7, 2025
Get out yo feelings; he’s speaking in general more than anything and this would make more sense to be about Ad than Luka if anything
And him nor gaff need him, gaff played better without him this season— Ryan (@goattalk411) October 6, 2025
Show me the win% then with and without Luka, I wanna see something.
— SLO HOOPS FAN 🇸🇮 (@SloHoopsFan) October 7, 2025
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