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Stats Rundown: 5 numbers to know from the Mavericks’ 135-111 preseason loss to the Atlanta Hawks

The Dallas Mavericks opened their preseason finale with a 135-111 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks, a result that exposed both bright spots and glaring weaknesses for the home side. Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg shone in the loss, but the Mavericks struggled defensively and from beyond the arc, particularly against Atlanta’s breakout stars.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Johnson dominated early, combining for 19 first-quarter points while shooting 3-of-3 from three-point range, setting a fast pace that Dallas couldn’t match. The Hawks led 39-34 at the quarter break, with Johnson finishing as the top scorer with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Alexander-Walker added 25 points on 6-of-10 shooting from deep.

Dallas’s defensive lapses were on full display, as they fouled four Atlanta three-point shooters in the act during the first half, handing out 12 free throws after those fouls alone. Zaccharie Risacher’s inconsistent play—scoring heavily against Hawks bench players but appearing ineffective against Atlanta’s starters—highlighted the roster’s uneven construction as the Mavericks close out their exhibition schedule ahead of the regular season.

Up nextNBA· 5h ago

3 musings as the Mavericks lose their preseason dress rehearsal, 135-111, to the Atlanta Hawks