The Dallas Mavericks will remain in Indianapolis overnight on Monday after determining that travel into New York City is not feasible amid the ongoing New York City blizzard impacting the Northeast.
The team had initially planned for a Monday evening departure following practice at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. However, worsening conditions across the New York metropolitan area — including widespread flight cancellations, suspended public transportation services, and hazardous road conditions — forced a change in plans.
More than 5,000 flights across the United States were canceled Monday, with LaGuardia Airport among the hardest-hit hubs. Over 1,000 departures and arrivals at LaGuardia were scrapped as heavy snowfall and sustained winds created unsafe operating conditions. Regional transit systems, including NJ Transit and portions of New York City’s subway network, also suspended or significantly reduced service.
Travel Window Narrows as Blizzard Impacts Northeast
The situation has effectively created what amounts to a travel-window game for Tuesday’s matchup between the Mavericks and the Brooklyn Nets. With both teams currently out of market — Dallas in Indianapolis and Brooklyn in Atlanta — each club must secure viable flights into New York within a narrow window between improving weather conditions and scheduled tipoff. It remains to be seen if it’ll occur.
Head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the uncertainty following Sunday’s 134-130 win over the Indiana Pacers.
“You might not be able to get there — so it’s all good. I’m joking,” Kidd said. “The weather — I don’t know why we’re going to be affected and you’re going to be affected. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day. We can’t leave until the evening and there’s no guarantee. We’ve been in this situation before. Hopefully we can get out and get to New York. Brooklyn’s in Atlanta in the same situation. Hopefully there’s a game, because I don’t know in our calendar where we can make one up.”
The Nets were unable to depart Atlanta on Monday and are planning to attempt travel Tuesday morning. The Mavericks now face a similar delay, opting to remain in Indianapolis rather than risk being stranded mid-transit.
Under NBA protocol, only the league office can postpone or reschedule a game. Recent winter storms have shown that decisions are often made within hours of tipoff once it becomes clear that safe travel cannot be completed.
Team Embraces Patience Amid Uncertainty
Players echoed Kidd’s assessment that patience may be required as conditions evolve.
P.J. Washington acknowledged the logistical frustration while keeping perspective.
“I’m not really too happy about it,” Washington said. “I don’t think anybody wants to stay the night here. It is what it is. We’ve been dealing with stuff like that the whole year. Just hope we get there.”
Khris Middleton also anticipated a lengthy delay as the team waits for improved conditions.
“Yeah, long day,” Middleton said. “In the East and Midwest, you deal with snowstorms once in a while. The last couple years they’ve been coming down on us. Hopefully this is the last one. Thankfully I didn’t deal with that much in Dallas.”
The Mavericks are scheduled to face the Nets on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. CST at Barclays Center, assuming the game proceeds as planned. As of Monday evening, the game remains on the NBA schedule, though the evolving impact of the New York City blizzard leaves its status contingent on travel viability.
For now, Dallas will practice in Indianapolis, monitor conditions, and await further guidance from the league office as both teams attempt to navigate one of the most severe winter disruptions of the season.
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