👋 Good morning! - Shaq made only one three-pointer in his entire 19-year career. He celebrated like he won the lottery… and honestly, he kinda did. - Ali Jawad

The Dallas Mavericks’ preseason finale started like a nightmare and ended like a statement. The defense looked disjointed early, allowing the Lakers to slice them up for easy buckets and open threes.

But after halftime, everything flipped. Dallas turned up the intensity, locked in on the perimeter, and turned a sluggish night into a blowout.

The second half was pure domination. The Mavs outscored the shorthanded Lakers 68-28 over the final two quarters, suffocating LA’s offense and flying around like a team with something to prove.

Suddenly, rotations were crisp, closeouts were sharp, and the energy was contagious. What started as a tune-up game quickly morphed into a defensive clinic.

Anthony Davis led the way with 18 points, but it was the balanced attack that stood out. Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, Klay Thompson, and Dereck Lively II combined for 50 points, showcasing just how deep this Dallas roster might be.

It’s only preseason, but this was the kind of performance that turns heads, and maybe sets the tone for what’s coming next.

Jerry’s not waving the white flag just yet 👀 After a brutal defensive stretch and a 2-3-1 start, the Cowboys owner insists the team is “still in it” — and with four first-round picks and $31M in cap space, he’s got the ammo to make a splash.

But will he actually pull the trigger before the Nov. 4 deadline to save this defense?

The Stars stayed perfect in style ⭐️ Dallas dominated the Wild 5-2 in their home opener, joining Carolina as the NHL’s last two undefeated teams.

Glen Gulutzan’s squad still has a few details to clean up, but banking early points against Central rivals has them off to a scorching 3-0-0 start. Plus, DLLS Stars pod break down the Victory Green carpet fits and give some way-too-early NHL impressions 👔🏒

The hot stove is heating up 🔥 For the second straight year, the Texas Rangers are on the outside looking in October, and that reality isn’t sitting well with Chris Young or the front office.

New skipper Skip Schumaker is wasting no time getting to work to make sure this drought doesn’t become a trend.

Let that sink in.

Be sure to subscribe to our shows wherever you listen to your podcasts. Traffic can be the worst, and one of the best ways I get through it is by listening to the audio versions of our DLLS shows. You should, too!

Ali Jawad
Dallas Cowboys ​Content Creator/Newsletter Writer
[email protected]