Dallas, TX (Sports Network) – Dirk Nowitzki scored a game-high 28 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, as the Dallas Mavericks easily beat the Charlotte Bobcats, 101-86, in the season opener for both clubs at American Airlines Arena.
Jason Terry added 22 points, and Jason Kidd had 12 points and 18 assists for the defending Southwest Division champions. The Mavericks went 55-27 last season, but lost in the opening round of the playoffs to the San Antonio Spurs.
Caron Butler was the fourth starter in double figures for the Mavericks, finishing with 13 points and four assists.
Tyrus Thomas finished with 22 points and six rebounds for the Bobcats, who reached the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 2009-10.
Gerald Wallace ended with 16 points and nine rebounds for Charlotte in defeat.