The Dallas Mavericks’ strong start to the 2026-27 season continued on Sunday, as they dominated the Brooklyn Nets, a team on the second night of a back-to-back set, on their way to a 130-93 victory. They moved to 6-4 on the season as a result, and it looks like the Mavericks are poised to be much more competitive than many expected they would be heading into this campaign.
Of course, the number one catalyst behind the Mavericks’ rise thus far this season has been Cooper Flagg, the reigning Rookie of the Year. He recorded 25 points, five rebounds, and 12 assists, and he certainly looks to have taken a leap in his sophomore campaign. But Dallas would not be where they are without the solid contributions of the team’s supporting cast.
Including in the unheralded players the Mavericks are certainly thankful to have around Flagg is offseason acquisition Santi Aldama, who has surprised even head coach Dusty May with how competitive he is.
“I didn’t realize he was a psycho competitor like he is. He’s a competitive dude. He’s fiery. I think that dimension is really, really good for this group as well,” May said following the Mavericks’ Sunday night victory, via Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban.
“You’re playing 82 games and the more competitive guys that just love to compete, the better team competitive spirit you’re going to have. Santi brings that in addition to his obvious ability to shoot it and make decisions and communicate.”
Dusty May on Santi Aldama:
“I didn’t realize he was a psycho competitor like he is. He’s a competitive dude. He’s fiery…The more competitive guys that just love to compete, the better team competitive spirit you’re going to have…” pic.twitter.com/PhSnxEgzqy
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) November 9, 2026
Aldama missed eight of the Mavericks’ first 10 games this season as he continued to recover from a right knee injury that required surgery back in March. The Mavs are yet to lean on him heavily, having brought him off the bench thus far this season, but he’s already given Dallas some floor-spacing from a big man position as well as even more tenacity on the glass.
Dallas gave up AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 first-round pick, two future second-round picks to acquire Aldama from the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason. In two games this season, the 25-year-old is averaging 10 points and 5.5 rebounds in 14 minutes per contest.
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