Mavericks Notebook: Dallas Ready for NBA Cup Matchup vs. Thunder, Dončić Named Player of Week, Valančiūnas Talks FIBA Naturalization, and More
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.
Dallas Mavericks Gear Up for NBA Cup Quarterfinal Against Oklahoma City Thunder
The Mavericks are preparing for one of their biggest challenges of the season: facing the Thunder in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals. The matchup will hold a playoff-like intensity with a trip to Las Vegas and the Semifinals on the line.
“This is the second year (of the tournament), and it’s our first year being involved this far,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “It’s a great measuring stick on the road against the best team in the West. Both teams want to go to Vegas, but only one can go.”
The Mavericks, winners of seven straight and 11 of their last 12 games, secured their place in the knockout stage as a Wild Card thanks to the best point differential among 3-1 teams. They will now face a Thunder team that finished atop its group and leads the Mavericks by 2.5 games in the Western Conference standings.
Both teams are among the league’s hottest. The Mavericks enter the contest on a seven-game winning streak, the longest active streak in the NBA and their best stretch since the 2010-11 championship season. Meanwhile, the Thunder have won seven of their last eight games, solidifying their place as one of the top teams in the league.
“Some would say we’ve already had a game we can reference where we need to be better, like the loss at Utah,” Kidd said. “Understanding what’s at stake tomorrow—this is a great test in December, and I think this is what the league wanted for the in-season tournament.”
For the Mavericks, the stakes are as financial as they are competitive. Each player has already earned $50,000 for advancing to the knockout stage, and a win would increase that total to $100,000. The NBA Cup champions will walk away with $500,000 per player, further fueling the intensity of the competition.
“You’ve got money on the line, so it’s going to bring that competitiveness, that energy,” Dereck Lively II said, adding that the win-or-go-home format reminded him of his NCAA tournament days at Duke. “There’s a lot on the line.”
While the Mavericks have been riding a wave of success, Kidd emphasized the importance of approaching this game with focus and discipline. Oklahoma City ranks first in the NBA in opponent turnovers and fourth in fewest turnovers committed, a combination that has been integral to their success. The Mavericks, meanwhile, have been plagued by turnover issues during stretches of the season, making ball security a crucial focus heading into Tuesday’s matchup.
“They do a great job with small ball, active hands in passing lanes, and swiping when you drive,” Kidd said. “For us, protecting the ball is key. Right now, we’re turning it over a little too much, and against a team like OKC, we’ve got to limit those mistakes to have a chance to win.”
Isaiah Hartenstein’s return has given the Thunder a significant boost, adding size and versatility that was absent during the teams’ previous meeting on Nov. 17, which Oklahoma City narrowly lost. The 7-footer has made an immediate impact since recovering from a fractured hand, averaging 11.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over his first eight games back. His ability to protect the paint, facilitate from the perimeter, and control the glass has solidified the Thunder’s interior presence, helping them offset the continued absence of Chet Holmgren.
In addition to Hartenstein, Oklahoma City also regains Alex Caruso, who missed the He adds another layer of depth as an on-ball defender and complementary talent to a Thunder squad that has been firing on all cylinders during their recent hot streak. With both Hartenstein and Caruso back in the fold, the Thunder present an even tougher challenge for a Mavericks team riding its own wave of momentum.
“They’ll be healthy, I think. When you look at Hartenstein and also AC being back, they have a big who will be in the paint, on the perimeter, rebounding, and blocking shots,” Kidd explained. “This will be the first time we get to see them, so we’ll see how they look.”
With the playoff-like stakes and both teams playing some of their best basketball, the Mavericks will need to remain sharp, limit mistakes, and capitalize on their depth to succeed against an Oklahoma City team at full strength. Having Dončić this time will go a long way.
Dallas Mavericks Managing Injuries Ahead of NBA Cup Quarterfinal
The Mavericks are navigating injury concerns heading into Tuesday’s game. Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington are questionable with illnesses, while Maxi Kleber (illness), Danté Exum (right wrist surgery), and Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain) are sidelined.
As reported on DallasHoopsJournal.com, Marshall is in the return to competition process and went through a full pre-game workout before Saturday’s 125-118 victory against the Toronto Raptors. With multiple days off and being upgraded to questionable to play against the Thunder, his return is clearly imminent.
Marshall’s potential return would provide a boost. He has averaged 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists this season while serving as one of Dallas’ top on-ball defenders. His presence would be particularly valuable against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, especially if Washington, another key contributor, cannot play.
Despite the injuries, the Mavericks’ depth has been instrumental in their success. Kyrie Irving highlighted the team’s cohesion, saying, “We’re one of the deepest teams in the league. Playing with selfless guys makes the game a lot easier.”
Luka Dončić Earns Player of the Week Honors
Dončić earned Western Conference Player of the Week for Dec. 2-8, continuing his dominance this season. He averaged 29.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 3.3 steals while leading Dallas to a perfect 3-0 week.
Dončić’s performance included a 30-point triple-double against Toronto, which moved him past Wilt Chamberlain and James Harden for seventh place on the NBA’s all-time triple-double list.
“That’s an incredible feat for Luka,” Kidd said. “When you talk about his skill set, filling up the stat sheet—he’s starting to get into a groove. We always expect him to have a triple-double, and sometimes I think he plans for triple-doubles. But I think right now you can see that he’s starting to get into a groove.”
Reflecting on the team’s success, Dončić said, “We shared the ball, and even when [the Raptors] came back, we stayed together. That was a big thing.”
With Dončić leading the way, the Mavericks are positioned as strong contenders in the NBA Cup and beyond.
Chris Paul Passes Jason Kidd on All-Time Assists List
Chris Paul reached a historic milestone, surpassing Kidd for second place on the NBA’s all-time assists leaderboard. Kidd praised Paul’s accomplishment.
“Well deserved, incredible. Future Hall of Fame,” Kidd told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I don’t know if he can catch Stockton—I don’t think anyone can—but for Chris to be second, that’s big time.”
Paul credited his success to adaptability. “You go from being the man to evolving your game. I’ve had an opportunity to play with a lot of greats and learned to adjust to different teams and styles,” Paul said.
Quentin Grimes on Lessons from Klay Thompson and Fitting with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving
Quentin Grimes has thrived as a shooter this season, thanks in part to the influence of veteran teammate Klay Thompson. Grimes spoke to me for Sportskeeda about how Thompson’s confidence and approach have shaped his game.
“Watching Klay has been huge for me,” Grimes said. “Whether he’s having a great shooting night or a rough one, he has no conscience—he keeps shooting like it’s going to go in every time. Seeing his consistency and confidence has helped me focus on trusting my work. The shots will fall because of the effort you put in.”
Grimes is shooting a career-best 42.3% from beyond the arc and has seamlessly integrated into the Mavericks’ system alongside Dončić and Irving.
“Kyrie pushes the pace—he’s super fast and quick. Luka is more decisive, kind of likes to slow the game down, lull guys to sleep,” Grimes explained. “Luka will hit you at any time on the court, so you just have to stay ready. Kyrie will push the ball up, and he’ll go to work. Once you get a feel for their styles, it makes it easier to get into a rhythm.”
As he approaches restricted free agency, Grimes’s improvements on the court make him a valuable addition to the Mavericks’ roster.
Luka Dončić’s Commitment to Slovenia’s National Team
With Slovenia securing a spot in EuroBasket 2025, Dončić is already looking forward to competing for his national team after the NBA season.
“I’m looking forward to just playing for my country,” Dončić told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Obviously, I’m going to play. It’s a pride, a joy to play for your own country every time I can. So, I’m going to do it.”
Slovenia is among several nations vying to host the tournament portion of EuroBasket in 2029. For Dončić, who helped lead Slovenia to its first EuroBasket title in 2017, the opportunity to play in front of home fans would be something he’d relish.
“That would be a dream come true, playing in front of fans in a big tournament at the EuroBasket,” Dončić stated to DallasHoopsJournal.com.
It remains to be seen which group Slovenia will be placed in for EuroBasket 2025, but the draw will take place in Riga, Latvia, on March 27, 2025. The host locations for group play include Cyprus (Limassol), Finland (Tampere), Latvia (Riga), and Poland (Katowice), with Latvia hosting the final.
NBA and FIBA Explore European Basketball Expansion
The NBA and FIBA are intensifying discussions about establishing an NBA-operated European basketball league or tournament, signaling a potential shake-up in the continent’s basketball ecosystem.
Both organizations aim to capitalize on Europe’s estimated 270 million basketball fans and a media market valued at over $20 billion while navigating the complexities of integrating with existing structures like the EuroLeague.
“There is clear interest (by the NBA), and there are ongoing discussions with FIBA,” said FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis
After the league’s new media rights deal, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently described the talks as “much more serious” and highlighted Europe’s role in basketball’s globalization.
“Given the quality of the basketball here in Europe, it would seem to make sense that we should be doing something here as well,” Silver said.
Silver and Zagklis have underscored their intent to enhance European basketball without undermining its foundations. “Whatever we do, it’s important that it’s additive to the European basketball structure,” Silver said.
Jonas Valančiūnas on FIBA Naturalization and Team Building
Naturalization in international basketball has become a polarizing topic as more countries recruit players without deep connections to their national programs. Jonas Valančiūnas emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural ties and honoring the foundation of national teams.
“A national team is a national team—you need roots, a connection to the country,” Valančiūnas told DallasHoopsJournal.com when asked about the possibility of Slovenia landing Daniel Gafford to pair with Dončić for EuroBasket 2025.
Slovenia previously explored adding Gafford during the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament. However, the Mavericks center declined due to a tight offseason schedule, though he left the door open for future participation.
“It was something that was a consideration, but it’s pretty much a timing thing for me,” Gafford told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I like to spend the majority of my time with my family, so it’ll just depend, for sure.”
Gafford acknowledged the potential benefits of playing alongside Dončić on the international stage, both personally and professionally.
“I think it’d be great. We already have a good relationship, but doing something like that could take it to the next level,” Gafford told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “It would give me a chance to see his background, learn about where he came from, and understand how he started his professional career. That would help us connect more.”
Valančiūnas remains firm that while naturalized players can enhance competitiveness, the heart of international basketball lies in its homegrown talent.
“The players who grow up in that system, who are part of that history—they make up the foundation of the national team,” Valančiūnas told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “That connection is what makes international basketball special.”
When Dončić operates in pick-and-roll, whether it’s Gafford or another rim roller, Valančiūnas emphasizes the importance of the whole defense being tied together instead of relying on just the two defenders directly involved in the action.
“You’ve got to do a good job in the pick-and-roll. It’s not just two guys’ job to stop it,” Valančiūnas explained to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “All five players need to be involved — tags, weak-side help, low man — it’s a full-team scheme.”
With EuroBasket 2025 on the horizon, the balance between adding talent and preserving cultural identity continues to shape the international basketball landscape.
