Early Frustration in Dallas, Wembanyama’s Near Triple-Double Highlight Southwest Storylines
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Only two games into the schedule, Dallas Mavericks supporters are already voicing their displeasure. During Friday’s 10-point defeat to the rebuilding Washington Wizards at American Airlines Center, fans repeatedly chanted “Fire Nico!”—a direct shot at general manager Nico Harrison, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported.
Head coach Jason Kidd urged patience. “It’s a different team, a new team,” he said. “We’re just getting to understand each other … but that doesn’t stop us from coming to work tomorrow and getting better.” Kidd recently signed a multi-year extension, while Harrison has two years left on his contract and, according to MacMahon, has not engaged in extension talks.
Wembanyama Nearly Logs Triple-Double
San Antonio big man Victor Wembanyama missed a triple-double by one block, finishing with 29 points, 11 rebounds and nine rejections in the Spurs’ overtime win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, the San Antonio Express-News noted. The effort followed his 40-point, 15-rebound outburst in Wednesday’s 125-92 season-opening blowout of Dallas.
Mavericks top pick Cooper Flagg came away impressed. “He is incredible. He is a different player,” Flagg told ESPN’s Michael C. Wright. “It’s something I’ve never seen before.”
Pelicans Rookies Trusted Late
First-rounders Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen handled closing duties for New Orleans against San Antonio, Rod Walker of NOLA.com reported. Queen played 35 minutes, posting 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Fears logged 29 minutes with 13 points, four rebounds, two steals and one assist. “I saw a lot of poise from both guys,” head coach Willie Green said.
Dumars Emphasizes Effort
Lead executive Joe Dumars, who oversaw the Pelicans’ offseason overhaul, said the franchise must first establish nightly intensity. “If you don’t establish that in your building first, you’re just giving quotes out at that point,” Dumars told Walker. “For me, it’s a process of establishing a hard, competitive playing team every night.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
