DALLAS — Although Friday’s 112-107 loss at Phoenix was just the first time the Dallas Mavericks’ five starters stepped on the floor together this preseason, the team believes it can still have the top contributors ready for the upcoming season with extended time on court during the final two exhibition contests.
Clocking exactly 19 minutes and 38 seconds together during Friday’s loss, the starting unit of point guard Deron Williams, swingman Wesley Matthews, versatile forward Harrison Barnes, 13-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki and center Andrew Bogut saw their first game action together. The starting five also showed their unfamiliarity with each other in the opening quarter of that game, combining to committing six of the team’s eight turnovers during the period.