Mavericks’ Dusty May: There are going to be puzzles we’ll have to figure out

October 22, 2026

Dusty May saw enough in the Mavericks’ opener to identify both the problems and a few possible solutions.

The challenge is making those corrections before Friday’s visit to the Pacers.

Dallas lost 128-110 to the Rockets on Wednesday, with a 38-12 second quarter creating a deficit that overwhelmed an otherwise productive night from Cooper Flagg. The second-year forward scored 32 points, while Kyrie Irving finished with 15 in his first regular-season appearance since his ACL injury.

Houston made a point of getting the ball out of Irving’s hands, limiting him to nine shots despite his making six.

“He’s obviously the focal point,” May said, via Mavs Moneyball. “They put two on the ball. I thought he made the right plays, the right decisions. There [are] going to be puzzles we’re going to have to figure out.”

“Playing four-on-three with our other guys — we’ve got to do a better job and find some solutions.”

Flagg supplied one answer by attacking the basket. He made 11 of 13 free throws, addressing an area May said had been a preseason concern, and scored 23 of his points after halftime.

“I thought he was strong. I thought he made good decisions,” May said. “When we start knocking down some open shots, his assist numbers will increase.”

May also liked Dallas’ improved pace and movement in the second half. Getting stops allowed the Mavericks to advance the ball before Houston could establish its defense.

The result was disappointing, but May praised Irving’s leadership and the team’s engagement as the game slipped away.

“I was proud of the way the guys stayed connected and stayed fighting until the end,” he said. “That showed some character.”

Now comes a short window to make practical improvements before a back-to-back against Indiana and the Spurs. May wants the film work to produce a manageable list.

“What can we fix in a 48-hour period, so we’re not out here chasing every rabbit, but focus on a couple of things so we can just trust it a little bit more,” he said.

“These extra possessions, they steamroll on you, so if we just clean up a few things, I think we’ll make a significant jump.”