Dallas Mavericks Fall to Charlotte Hornets in Second Preseason Game

The Dallas Mavericks continued the preseason against the Charlotte Hornets at the American Airlines Center on Saturday night. Dallas entered Saturday night’s game with a 1-0 record, while Charlotte came in 0-2. Charlotte ultimately won 120-116 to a 1-2 record. Read on for the latest.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Charlotte Hornets Starters

The Dallas Mavericks vs. Charlotte Hornets game came just a day after the Mavericks’ Fan Jam, the free open practice, at the American Airlines Center on Saturday night. The first 5,000 fans received a rally towel. Fans witnessed Kyrie Irving throw a football as a so-called quarterback — although Irving’s throw was good.

The Mavericks’ roster enjoyed a VIP evening with Mavericks fans in support of the Mavericks Foundation just hours before tip-off. The Mavericks’ starting lineup featured D’Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II.

The Mavericks vs. Hornets game marked the first time Spencer Dinwiddie returned to Dallas. Dinwiddie, 32, signed a one-year contract with the Hornets on July 13. The Colorado alumni played for the Mavericks during 2022-23 and 2024-25.

The Hornets’ starting lineup featured LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Collin Sexton, Miles Bridges, and Ryan Kalkbrenner. The Hornets listed Ibou Badji (left great toe soreness), Josh Green (left shoulder surgery) and Grant Williams (right knee surgery) as out. Williams, 26, previously played for the Mavericks from 2023-24.

Mavericks vs. Hornets Recap

The Dallas Mavericks vs. Charlotte Hornets game was full of excitement in the first quarter. Dallas took an early 5-2 lead, but Charlotte quickly responded to tie the game 5-5. Charlotte took a 11-8 lead at 8:32 of the first. Charlotte rose before Dallas sped up. However, Charlotte survived for a 34-31 lead at the end of the first.

The game maintained its momentum in the second quarter. Naji Marshall threw a pass to Dereck Lively II, who scored on a tip-in bucket. Cooper Flagg arrived at the rim to throw down a two-handed dunk. LaMelo Ball made offense look easy with a step-back jumper. Miles Bridges hit a three-pointer to beat the buzzer. Charlotte held on for a 61-59 lead at halftime.

The third quarter was a high-scoring affair. Dereck Lively II scored on an offensive rebound. Brandon Miller received an and-1. Miller, 22, ignited the Hornets’ 7-point possession. The Hornets led 95-88 after three quarters. The fourth quarter started off slow, but the Hornets maintained the lead. The Hornets defeated the Mavericks 120-116 in regulation.

Final Thoughts

The Dallas Mavericks will hit the road for a preseason matchup against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on Monday night at 7:00 p.m. Mountain time.

The Charlotte Hornets will return home to host a preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.