Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks have touched down in Abu Dhabi as they gear up for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games scheduled for October 5th and 7th. This marks the beginning of a 12-day international journey that will also take them to Madrid, Spain. The Mavericks will participate in more international games than any other NBA team before the 2023-24 season kicks off.

Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks’ superstar, expressed his anticipation for the trip and acknowledged that the team is still in the process of gelling due to its new makeup. Irving stated, “Coming to every season, you want to start hot immediately, just do everything the right way, but it’s impossible to be perfect at the beginning of the season. We have a new group. We have some things to figure out still, so we have to give each other grace for that.”

He also highlighted the excitement of playing in front of an international basketball-loving community in Abu Dhabi and Madrid, seeing it as an opportunity for the team to grow and strengthen their camaraderie.

While the lengthy international journey may bring challenges such as jetlag, it offers a valuable bonding experience for a Mavericks roster that has undergone significant changes. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will have more opportunities to refine their on-court chemistry as they adjust to lineups that may feature entirely new teammates compared to the previous season.

Mavs coach Jason Kidd emphasized the importance of this bonding opportunity, saying, “I think it’s a great experience, a great time for the team to bond. Fourteen hours on a plane. We’ve got some time to get to know one another.”

The Mavericks’ first games in Abu Dhabi will see them face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 5th and 7th at the Etihad Arena. These matchups will provide valuable experience, especially for rookies Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, as they contend with formidable opponents like Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns.