Exclusive: Mavericks’ Kylor Kelley Reflects on ‘Unreal’ First NBA Regular Season Game
When Kylor Kelley checked into the Dallas Mavericks’ 130-108 victory over the Washington Wizards, it marked the first time he played in an NBA regular season game in his career.
With Dereck Lively II (right ankle stress fracture), Maxi Kleber (right foot fracture), and Dwight Powell (right hip strain) all sidelined simultaneously, the Mavericks urgently needed to add a center. Kelley practiced with the South Bay Lakers on Sunday before signing his two-way contract, then played with Dallas the next day.
Against the Wizards, Kelley logged roughly eight minutes and totaled one point and four rebounds. He described the experience as “unreal” but acknowledged he wasn’t nervous but rather excited to impact the court. He was satisfied with his performance.
“It was unreal, really. It was my first NBA regular season game,” Kelley told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I had played one preseason game with LA back in October, but this was totally different. It was just awesome being out there. I wasn’t really feeling nervous, just excited, and had a lot of energy that I wanted to express on the court, and I thought I did that with the time that I got.”
After the victory, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd praised Kelley’s activity level and vocal communication, calling it a “great sign.”
“ I thought his activity and his talk, his vocal, he was vocal for someone just to get here,” Kidd said of Kelley. “His voice could be heard on the floor, and that’s a great sign for a newcomer.”
Kelley explained that vocal communication has been an emphasis of his in recent years after needing to improve in that area earlier in his career. He embraces the role of anchor for the unit on both ends.
“Since college, being vocal was something I needed to improve on,” Kelly explained to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “So the past couple of years as a pro, I’ve really tried to work on being more vocal, both on offense and defense, just being that anchor.”
The main areas where Kelley can impact the Mavericks are running the floor, making a defensive impact, and finishing in the paint. He’s embraced those responsibilities and is eager to build on them.
“They brought me here to run the floor, defend the basket, and I think talking is one of the most important things,” Kelly emphasized to DallasHoopsJournal.com.
As Kelley continues acclimating to the Mavericks, he’s praised the coaching staff and his teammates for helping him. As a result, he hasn’t felt like a newcomer to the team.
“All the coaches, even the players, have been really helpful in that process,” Kelley emphasized to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “As a new guy coming in, they’re making it feel like I’ve been here all season.”
While Lively is sidelined, Kelley is eager to learn from him and Daniel Gafford, who serve as examples to emulate in his role. Kelley is expected to spend plenty of time with the active roster for the remainder of the season.
“I pay attention a lot to Gafford and Lively and see how they do on the court and what they do to be successful, and I try to emulate that.”
Kelley will potentially get his next chance to contribute on Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans as the Mavericks begin a five-game road trip.
