The Dallas Mavericks began their preseason in Germany with a win, defeating Alba Berlin 89-84.
Dallas trailed by two points after the first quarter, but outscored Alba Berlin 24-16 in the second to carry a lead into the half. Alba Berlin cut the Mavericks’ lead to four entering the fourth quarter, but Dallas was able to hold on for the victory in the preseason opener.
Center Chris Kaman led the way for the Mavericks, scoring 14 points on 7-9 shooting from the field with six rebounds and two blocks. Dallas guards Darren Collison and Vince Carter also each scored 14 points for the Mavericks, and forward Shawn Marion contributed 11 rebounds and three steals. Forward Dirk Nowitzki and guard O.J. Mayo each scored eight points.
Former North Carolina Tarheels forward Deon Thompson was the high scorer for Alba Berlin, finishing with 20 points on 10-19 shooting with five rebounds and four steals.