The NBA schedule makers did the Dallas Mavericks no favors by scheduling their home opener for the second night of a back-to-back. Then the proverbial injury gods dealt another blow when Cooper Flagg injured his shoulder against the Indiana Pacers in the game before.

With Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving still working his way back into shape after missing all of last season with a torn ACL, Dallas decided to rest him against the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs also entered the game having lost their first two contests of the season, leaving both teams looking to get on track.

But Mavericks coach Dusty May said before the game that he remained confident in his healthy players.

Guards Sergio de Larrea, known as Larry, Marcus Sasser and Naji Marshall gave their coach reason for optimism. Although Dallas lost 122-106 to San Antonio in its home opener Saturday night, the Mavericks showed flashes of potential.

“He didn’t get the same (run) last night in Indiana for obvious reasons with Cooper (Flagg and) Kyrie (Irving) getting those minutes,” May said about Larry. “But he’s certainly gaining more and more trust.”

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