A New Era in Dallas: The Mavericks’ Fresh Starting Five Turns Heads Against Charlotte

A New Era in Dallas: The Mavericks’ Fresh Starting Five Turns Heads Against Charlotte

The Dallas Mavericks have officially turned the page. Gone are the days of a one-man show, and in its place stands a new, reimagined lineup that speaks to balance, versatility, and grit. When the Mavericks unveiled their starting five of D’Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II for their matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, fans around the league couldn’t help but pause — this wasn’t just another lineup announcement. It was a declaration.

This is the beginning of something different in Dallas.

For the first time in years, the Mavericks’ starting five feels like a blend of experience, youth, and defensive identity. D’Angelo Russell, wearing No. 5, brings a veteran steadiness at point guard. His ability to navigate the floor, find shooters, and control pace gives Dallas a level of orchestration they’ve lacked since the days of Jason Kidd. Russell’s passing and confidence have quietly stabilized the Mavericks’ offense a needed contrast to the explosive yet sometimes chaotic styles that previously defined the backcourt.

Next to him is Klay Thompson, the sharpshooter wearing No. 31, now in his first full season as a Maverick. Many questioned whether the five-time All-Star still had something left in the tank after his departure from Golden State, but if the preseason and early practices were any indication, Klay’s hunger has returned. His veteran leadership, his defensive communication, and, of course, his trademark shooting stroke have already made their impact in the locker room. The Mavericks aren’t just relying on Klay to score; they’re relying on him to teach.

Then comes the future  No. 32, Cooper Flagg. The 19-year-old phenom, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has electrified Dallas before even stepping onto the hardwood. His inclusion in the starting lineup signals one thing clearly: the Mavericks believe he’s ready now. Flagg’s ability to switch defensively, his relentless energy, and that fearless approach to scoring have drawn comparisons to legends, but Dallas isn’t rushing the narrative. Instead, they’re letting him learn by doing, surrounded by some of the most respected veterans in the game. For Flagg, it’s the perfect environment a laboratory for greatness.

Behind him is Anthony Davis, donning No. 3, a man who has already conquered the NBA mountain but still plays like he has something to prove. The decision to bring Davis to Dallas was bold, and it’s paying off early. Davis is anchoring the defense while mentoring both Flagg and Lively, teaching them how to protect the rim and read opposing offenses. With his mix of leadership and intensity, the Mavericks finally have a true interior presence who commands respect in the paint on both ends of the floor.

And then, holding it all together the anchor of the defense  Dereck Lively II. Wearing No. 2, the second-year center is becoming the defensive backbone of this new Dallas identity. Lively’s growth from raw rookie to confident shot-blocker has been one of the organization’s biggest success stories. He’s not just catching lobs anymore; he’s directing traffic on defense, anticipating rotations, and feeding off Davis’s experience. The pairing of Davis and Lively gives the Mavericks something they’ve desperately needed for years: a defensive wall.

What stands out about this lineup isn’t just the talent  it’s the balance. Every player fills a specific role, every piece complements the others. Russell’s playmaking unlocks Thompson’s shooting. Thompson’s spacing opens driving lanes for Flagg. Flagg’s aggression takes pressure off Davis. And Davis’s presence allows Lively to grow without carrying the full defensive burden. For the first time since the Luka Dončić era ended, Dallas feels whole again.

The Mavericks’ front office deserves credit for this bold reconstruction. In a league that often values flash over fit, Dallas has built something rooted in basketball sense. This team isn’t built for highlight reels  it’s built for deep playoff runs. It’s built for the kind of tough, physical, intelligent basketball that wins in May and June.

As the Mavericks take the floor against Charlotte, fans in the American Airlines Center can feel the energy shifting. There’s no more waiting for the next chapter  this is it. The Cooper Flagg era begins not as a solo act, but as part of a carefully crafted symphony led by veterans who know how to win.

It’s a blend of old and new. A mixture of fire and calm.
And for the first time in a long while, Dallas basketball feels like it’s heading somewhere special.