Mavericks Notebook: Dallas Ready for NBA Cup Matchup vs. Thunder, Dončić Named Player of Week, Valančiūnas Talks FIBA Naturalization, and More
Luka Dončić earns Player of the Week honors, the Mavericks chase NBA Cup glory, and Jonas Valančiūnas discusses naturalization in international basketball.
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Dallas Mavericks look to extend their seven-game winning streak in a crucial NBA Cup Quarterfinal against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday at Paycom Center. A victory would result in the Mavs advancing to compete in Las Vegas on December 14 against the Golden State Warriors versus Houston Rockets matchup winner.
With Luka Dončić thriving since returning from a right wrist sprain, he will look to carry his recent momentum after being named the Western Conference Player of the Week. Despite injuries and illnesses to key players, the Mavericks will also look to maintain the support for Dončić with balanced scoring and hard-nosed defensive execution from the group overall.
Chris Paul passed Jason Kidd for second on the all-time assists list, which naturally garnered Kidd’s perspective after Monday’s practice. Jonas Valančiūnas weighs in on the naturalization rule amid various players' interests in competing for national teams in a recent interview with DallasHoopsJournal.com. The NBA and FIBA could work together to grow the game in Europe. There’s a lot to get into.
Here’s a closer look at the latest developments shaping the Mavericks and the league.
Mavericks Gear Up for NBA Cup Quarterfinal Against Thunder
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