Sports Editor
Photos: Dorothy J. Gentry
Funny stories about cars, horses and tennis shoes punctuated the Dallas Mavericks’ Toast to Tipoff, held Monday night at The Echo Lounge. The event, sponsored by ShiftKey and hosted by broadcasters Mark Followill and Chuck Cooperstein, served as the official kick-off for the Mavs’ season.
The entire Mavs team, Governor Mark Cuban, Head Coach Jason Kidd, GM Nico Harrison and CEO Cynt Marshall were all in attendance at the VIP fan event. A silent auction was held where attendees could bid on autographed items players, including framed autographed jerseys from Luka Dončić and Dirk Nowitzki, special ticket packages, an autographed basketball from the 2022-23 team, and much more. Proceeds from the event support the Mavs Foundation which supports women and families in need throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
The 22-23 NBA season starts on Tuesday. The Mavs start their season on the road with a Western Conference Semifinals rematch against Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 9 p.m. CT on ESPN.
After opening the year at Phoenix, the Mavericks will return to American Airlines Center to face Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies in their home opener on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m. CT on NBA TV.
