The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Charlotte Hornets 120-116 in their preseason matchup at American Airlines Center on Saturday night. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 20 points, three rebounds, and six assists, while Klay Thompson topped the Mavericks with 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three-point range. However, the game also revealed a potential area of concern for Dallas.

ESPN insider Tim McMahon expressed significant doubts about the defensive capabilities of the Mavericks’ projected starting backcourt. McMahon specifically pointed to Thompson’s preseason assignment against Charlotte’s star guard. “I’ll say this, though. I saw Klay Thompson try to defend LaMelo Ball. He got that assignment, and that didn’t go very well either now,” McMahon stated.

McMahon’s

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