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NBA Postpones Mavericks-Bucks As Winter Storm Halts Dallas Travel

Grant AfsethGrant Afseth
Ground crews de-ice an American Airlines jet at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport during a winter storm in Dallas, Texas
Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

The NBA postponed Sunday night’s game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Milwaukee Bucks after a winter storm in North Texas prevented Dallas from departing the area, league officials announced Sunday.

The decision came after a series of unsuccessful travel attempts by the Mavericks spanning from late Saturday night into Sunday afternoon, as freezing rain, sleet, and snow disrupted airport operations across the region and eliminated viable flight windows.

Dallas Mavericks’ Initial Travel Attempt to Milwaukee

Sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that the Mavericks initially attempted to depart for Milwaukee late Saturday night following their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving American Airlines Center with the intention of flying out. Those efforts were ultimately unsuccessful due to deteriorating weather conditions despite de-ice attempts, forcing the team to remain in Dallas and setting off a series of delays that culminated in the league’s decision to postpone the game.

Dallas was scheduled to face Milwaukee at 6 p.m. CST on Sunday, creating a tight turnaround after Saturday’s home loss. The Mavericks made it as far as Dallas Love Field, but travel was deemed unsafe, prompting team buses to turn around and return to Dallas for the night.

As conditions failed to improve Sunday morning, additional contingencies were being prepared. Sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that before it was determined the Mavericks would be unable to depart in time altogether, the Bucks had internally planned for a 7 p.m. CST tipoff, reflecting the possibility of a delayed arrival by Dallas. Continued delays and weather-related constraints ultimately made that option impossible.

NBA Steps In, Makeup Date To Be Determined

Under NBA protocol, the authority to postpone or cancel a game — whether before tipoff or after play has begun — rests solely with the league office after consultation with the affected teams. The NBA exercised that authority Sunday, citing the Mavericks’ “inability to leave Dallas as a result of inclement weather in the area.”

North Texas was hit by heavy precipitation Saturday night, including freezing rain mixed with sleet and snow, with additional accumulation expected into Sunday. The prolonged storm significantly disrupted regional travel and removed any remaining flexibility from the Mavericks’ schedule.

Head coach Jason Kidd had acknowledged earlier in the week that weather conditions could place upcoming games in jeopardy as forecasts worsened.

“But now the other games could be in doubt,” Kidd said. “That’s just something the league will have to decide on as we go forward.”

Players were also aware of the narrowing margin following Saturday’s game. Daniel Gafford expressed hope late that night that the team could still beat the storm.

“I just hope and pray we make it before the storm hits,” Gafford said. “That’s pretty much it.”

Neither team had a game scheduled for Monday, and Dallas’ next contest is not until Wednesday, when it hosts the Minnesota Timberwolves. Milwaukee is set to resume play Tuesday on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers, with Wednesday off. Despite that flexibility in both schedules, league officials determined the Mavericks-Bucks game would not be rescheduled for Monday and instead will be made up at a later date.

The NBA has not yet announced a new date for the postponed matchup.

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Tags :Dallas MavericksDallas winter stormMavericks Bucks postponedMavericks travel issuesMilwaukee BucksNBANBA NewsNBA postponementNBA ScheduleNBA schedule changes
Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth

Senior Writer
Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.
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