<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2BfTRN_0wC23RxD00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2BfTRN_0wC23RxD00" width="1080" height="608" ><figcaption>Dallas Mavericks, Klay Thompson / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Dallas Mavericks wrapped up their slate of four preseason games on Thursday night as they battled the Milwaukee Bucks at the American Airlines Center ahead of their home opener next Thursday night against the San Antonio Spurs.</p><p>Luka Doncic <a href="https://thesmokingcuban.com/is-luka-doncic-playing-tonight-bucks-at-dallas-mavericks-injury-update-october-17">missed Thursday night's game</a> against the Bucks due to the <a href="https://thesmokingcuban.com/posts/dallas-mavericks-luka-doncic-recurring-injury-comes-back-bite-him-at-worst-possible-time-calf">calf contusion</a> that has caused him to miss the entire preseason, but Jason Kidd doesn't seem to be concerned when it comes to Doncic's availability for the season opener.</p><p>Milwaukee sat Khris Middleton, Damian Lillard, and Giannis Antetokounmpo in this game, but there was plenty to watch if you're a Mavs fan. Dallas ended up winning this game 109-84, and the first half was filled with excitement.</p><h2>4 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' win over Bucks in preseason finale</h2><p>Both Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving played in this game for Dallas, and the two-way and Exhibit 10 guys fought hard for the opportunity to get a deal ahead of the new season. Before the game, Kidd confirmed that Dallas' 15-man roster is locked up, but he didn't turn down making changes when it comes to the two-way spots.</p><p>There was plenty to like from the preseason finale, and now it's on to the regular season.</p><h2>6. Stud - Daniel Gafford</h2><p>Jason Kidd announced that Daniel Gafford would start at center during his pregame press conference, and he put on a show in his minutes. Gafford finished with 11 points, four rebounds, and two blocks, and his relentless effort on both ends set him apart.</p><p>Gafford finished well around the rim, and he was seemingly always drawing contact when fighting down low and getting to the free throw line.</p><p>The extra 20 pounds of muscle that he put on this summer has helped make him even more of a wrecking ball in the paint. This gives the Mavs tons of versatility when deciding how they want to defend different bigs, and they're well-equipped for the long regular season.</p><p>Gafford's energy is always on full display, and he and Dereck Lively II are truly one of the <a href="https://thesmokingcuban.com/posts/daniel-gafford-selflessness-shows-why-dallas-mavericks-have-elite-one-two-punch-at-center">best big-men tandems</a> in the NBA.</p></div></body>

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4 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' blowout win over Bucks in preseason finale

The Dallas Mavericks wrapped up their slate of four preseason games on Thursday night as they battled the Milwaukee Bucks at the American Airlines Center ahead of their home opener next Thursday night against the San Antonio Spurs. Luka Doncic missed Thursday night's game against the Bucks due to the...