Mavericks Practice Insights: Dončić and Kleber Return to 'Extremely High' Competition, and Key Development Focuses

Dončić and Kleber's return boosts Mavericks' intense practice sessions. Key development areas highlighted as they prepare for season opener against the Spurs.

Photo via Dallas Mavericks

DALLAS — As the Dallas Mavericks prepare to begin their 2024-25 regular season schedule, the team has ramped up the intensity of practices. They have the luxury of their first game tipping off on Thursday as opposed to being one of the teams that plays as early as Tuesday or Wednesday, and they are taking advantage of it.

With Luka Dončić and Maxi Kleber back to being full participants in practice in recent days, the Mavericks have been able to build necessary on-court chemistry. They are likely to play in the regular season opener against the San Antonio Spurs.

“Our health is trending up,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. “It’s great to have Maxi back. He looked good (Saturday). You get to see the full scope of the team right now. Exum is the only one that probably will be out come opening night. Kessler is trending up — another two-way. But the 15 guys that will suit up, they all look good. They’re healthy and they’re going in the right direction.”

After Saturday’s practice, Kidd mentioned the level of competition has been “extremely high” in their practice sessions. Dončić being on the floor while they compete in five-on-five has made a significant difference.

“We wanted to make it challenging,” Kidd said. “Today was a hard practice, and the energy and competition over the last two days have been extremely high. We want to foster that competitive spirit, especially with Luka back. It changes the game when he’s on the floor.”

During the viewing window media is allowed to observe practice, here were some observations from the team’s most recent sessions:

Observations from Recent Practices