Dallas Mavericks: 3 takeaways from 2017-18 season opener

3. Dirk needs to come off the bench

Call it fatigue or old age, but the Dallas Mavericks have some work to do in figuring out Dirk Nowitzki this season. Nowitzki is entering his 20th season in the league and it’s beginning to show.

Dirk finished the game with 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting (28.6 percent) along with six rebounds and three personal fouls. It was good to see Nowitzki hit the floor for Dallas, but his production makes it apparent he needs to come off the bench this season.

The Mavericks got a lot more production out of backup center Nerlens Noel in the game. Noel finished the game with 16 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in just 19 minutes of play. He could still be in the doghouse after how the offseason played out for him, but if the Mavs continue to struggle like they did against Atlanta, he could find himself getting more playing time.

Dallas didn’t really have a standout performer on offense as everybody struggled, but Noel still managed to go 6-for-6 from the field.