Nothing like an overtime preseason game with a sloppy ending, right?

Sigh.

That’s what we endured tonight as the Mavericks fell to the Timberwolves, 129-127 in their preseason finale.

Dallas held a 15-point lead going into the fourth quarter but the more experienced T-Wolves took over as the Mavs’ rookies saw the floor.

First off, to touch on the rookie struggles, it’s okay. They are rookies in their third preseason game without playing in Summer League and without going through a real training camp. Struggles are expected, especially with guys who are still raw. Give the young men time, Mavs fans.

Regarding tonight’s game, Luka led the way for Dallas with an easy 20-5-7. 18 points for Hardaway Jr., who made 4-5 from deep. Finney-Smith, Richardson, and Kleber all scored in double-figures as well.

What stood out in tonight’s preseason finale, and really throughout the preseason as a whole, was the three point shooting. Dallas shot 20/44 (45.5%) from deep tonight, including 14/19 from Hardaway Jr., Richardson, Finney-Smith, and Kleber.

Josh Richardson, especially, has stood out. The acquisition was an exciting one, but through his first three preseason games with Dallas, he’s already exceeded what the initial excitement. If J-Rich is shooting like this from downtown, filling the Seth Curry role, while also showcasing his defensive prowess, talk about a steal of a trade for the Mavericks.

Surrounding Luka with shooters is the recipe on offense and the Mavericks have done just that. Add that to the improvements on the defensive end and Dallas has a versatile roster that’s ready to compete this season.

The Mavericks open the regular season on Dec. 22nd in Phoenix on ESPN.