Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

“The only thing that matters is the ending,” a Stephen King character once declared. I think about it a lot, especially during basketball season. It's a quote that I think speaks to a deeper, conflicted part of inner humanity.

Deep down, people want to believe that every moment counts. Deep down they know this everyone moment can't. It is a conflict that lies at the core of our existence, and we find its echo in the various parts and actions of our daily life.

Art imitates life, and basketball is certainly art.

And I guess that's why we're so unsure about where things stand at the end of the season. There is no escape. Even apathy is an expression.

Of course, the reality is that, with one exception, every fan base will be disappointed with the end result. We can know this and still be surprised by our grief.

I've loved the sport for decades, and yet I'm still annoyed by basketball's inherent and inanimate inability to exist in a state of constant loyalty to the team of my choice.

Ah, but here comes the fresh plan of another season. Hope is eternal. How does one resist the siren song of a conceptual reversal of fortune?

How do you maintain an air of cynicism when encountering a fresh-faced basketball prodigy? I have to imagine that one can only imagine that this kind of disappointment stems from a conundrum we all face. How many of these moments actually matter?

Is it just a matter of winning the last game of the last part of the season? Does this defeat the purpose of playing more games? Is that the biggest value for winning a championship last basketball season? (I hope I don't live long enough to see that)

Well, it's a stupid statement anyway. At least the end never comes without a beginning. Tonight we'll see one more time as two of the NBA's most dynamic forces usher in the start of another slate of stories.

Rising superstar Victor Wembanyama meets an incredibly gifted finals loser Luka Doncic on the warpath in a duel we didn't see at this summer's Summer Olympics. The frequently injured but frequently deadly point guards in Kyrie Irving and Chris Paul as stylistic opposites. Game One of another season of the fabled I-35 rivalry.

It is currently unclear how the game will end. No statistics to inform us. No seasonal progression, no ups and downs. Each season as an independent living being. The ending is no more permanent than that of any other game in infinity.

Maybe it's not the end or the beginning. Maybe the story is the only thing that really matters. Time for the next chapter. Read on!

San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks

October 24, 2024 | 6:30 CT

Watch: TNT (RIP) | Listen: WOAI (12:00 p.m.)

Spore injuries: Devin Vassell – Off (Foot)

Mavericks injuries: Dante Exum – Out (Wrist)

What you should pay attention to:

The Wemby + CP3 Dunk-o-matic light show

Okay, so it won't be an actual light show per se, but I think we can all agree that there should be some sort of external fireworks display when these two get together for a big time. (I can think of several sports teams that get to fire a cannon, that's all I'm saying) Either way, that's definitely what's going to be going on in my head and no one is going to take that away from me. Seriously, it's less the high-flying antics than the extremely competent work in the half court that I'm looking forward to. Spurs hadn't had anyone who could do that for quite some time, and there was no Victor to throw the ball to at that point anyway. Most of the time I'm just looking forward to not having to look away when players are open on the fast break or the Spurs need to start a possession without a break. If reliability is sexy, my mouth is watering.

The New Kid on the Block (or rather: Beyond The Arc)

It was quite a captivating summer and pre-season display for Stephon Castle. Despite the limited appearances/playing time, Castle has already demonstrated on-court awareness beyond his years and his shooting appears to have developed positively. Granted, it wasn't the regular season, so everything should be taken with a grain of salt, but the early signs are encouraging, and in the past it's been a good sign for Spurs rookies to be praised for their work ethic, let alone unqualified Praise from Chris Paul regarding “courage” and willpower. Most of Castle's early action will likely come on defense, with his already strong sense of defensive rotation and positioning serving him well, but I wouldn't be surprised to see more from the Spurs' second-highest draft pick since then 90s. Paul's praise, in particular, rings loud since he doesn't have a history of praising other guards, rookie players, or anyone else. It's quite a compelling start to Castle's career, and he has the chance to make a huge impact when facing a talent like Luka Doncic.

From the perspective of Mavericks fans, go to Mavs Moneyball.

The PtR game thread will be available tonight for those who want to chat about the game. You can also follow the action through PtR Twitter feed.