Mavericks, Rockets, Irving, Gafford, Morant Highlight Southwest Notes
The NBA continues to expand its international outreach with a significant game tonight in Mexico City. The Dallas Mavericks are set to face the Detroit Pistons in what is their eighth appearance in Mexico and part of the NBA’s overall strategy to connect with fans globally. This matchup is notable as the league has held 33 games in Mexico since 1992.
Mavericks’ Commitment to International Fans
Raul Zarraga, the vice president and managing director of NBA Mexico, emphasized the importance of providing live game experiences to international fans. “For fans outside of the U.S., the opportunity for them to enjoy a live experience of an NBA game is very limited,” Zarraga stated. Dwight Powell, the lone remaining player from the Mavericks’ last Mexican outing in the 2019/20 season, recalled the vibrant atmosphere as “extremely energetic.”
Popularity of NBA Teams in Mexico
Mexican fans generally do not have a strong preference for a single franchise but are known to support Texas teams. Teams with illustrious histories like the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat also attract attention. One of the highlights of the game will be Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 draft pick, who expressed excitement about playing in front of an international crowd.
- Cooper Flagg is eager to experience Mexico for the first time.
- “I’ve heard it’s really beautiful,” Flagg said about Mexico.
- He anticipates a competitive game against Detroit.
Player Updates and Season Debuts
In roster news, Daniel Gafford is making his season debut for the Mavericks tonight, though coach Jason Kidd has limited his playing time to about 15 to 18 minutes. D’Angelo Russell is also available for the game after being questionable due to a left knee contusion.
Coach Jason Kidd provided insights regarding star player Kyrie Irving’s return, hinting that he may be back on the court by the end of the year. “We just can’t wait to get Kai back, at some point,” Kidd remarked. He expressed optimism about the potential pairing of Irving and Flagg in the backcourt.
Rockets and Grizzlies Updates
In the Southwest Division, Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka is working to refine his rotation. He seeks to increase playing time for backup center Clint Capela. Meanwhile, Dorian Finney-Smith continues his recovery from ankle surgery without a defined return date. Jae’Sean Tate is also limited to 15 minutes of play as he recovers.
On the Memphis Grizzlies front, the team faces challenges following Ja Morant’s one-game suspension. Observers note that Morant appeared disengaged during a previous loss. Concerns arise regarding the team’s leadership and cohesion among Morant, coach Tuomas Iisalo, and Jaren Jackson Jr. as they aim to navigate the remainder of the season effectively.
