The excitement of NBA opening night is unparalleled, filled with hope and anticipation. Having been an avid attendee of games throughout my life, thanks to my father’s season tickets for the Dallas Mavericks since 1984, I always cherish the first game of the season. This year, as I attended the Mavericks’ season opener, I felt a nostalgic urge to capture the experience.
Even before entering the arena, the electric atmosphere was evident. A blue carpet and player cutouts adorned Victory Plaza, with fans eagerly making their way from miles around. As game time approached, the lines to enter were long, and the excitement was contagious. Inside the arena, the vibrant colors and enticing scents from the concession stands struck a familiar chord. The voice of public address announcer Sean Heath echoed through the halls, evoking memories of home despite the ever-changing world outside.
Watching the players warm up is always awe-inspiring, providing a fresh perspective on their extraordinary size. This was particularly true for Victor Wembanyama, who loomed over his peers during warm-ups. As the lights dimmed for the National Anthem followed by the Spurs’ lineup announcement, the anticipation reached its peak. The Mavericks’ player introductions sent chills through the crowd, with each name announced amidst cheers, especially for Klay Thompson. The atmosphere was thick with excitement as Heath urged fans to be “rowdy, loud, and proud” throughout the game, and with that, the matchup began.
The Mavericks adopted the tradition of standing until they scored, which happened when Daniel Gafford scored a hook shot. The subsequent cheer that erupted when Klay Thompson made his first basket as a Maverick moments later was electric. The first half was less thrilling, with the team struggling shooting-wise and trailing by two points. After waiting through the halftime rush, it was time to settle in for the second half.
The third quarter showcased a return to familiar form for the Mavericks. Luka Doncic’s three-point shots felt exhilarating and Dereck Lively’s dunk resonated through the arena, igniting the crowd to a playoff-like fervor with a 40-point surge. However, the fourth quarter brought tension as Dallas extended their lead to 21 points, leaving both Luka Doncic and Lively on the court. Many fans stayed to witness Sean Heath’s concluding call of “Mavs win! Mavs win!” as they exited the arena, the sound of a celebratory drumline echoing in the background. The joy of being back in the arena was magnified by a victorious start to the Mavericks’ season.