DALLAS Teams

Ayton, Doncic make rookie debuts (0:53)
Nowitzki says Doncic will be fun to watch (1:44)

Royce Young ESPN Staff Writer 

Great example of the sensational feel and confidence Luka Doncic has: He grabbed a long defensive rebound late in the third and immediately pushed it, creating a quick layup for himself on the other end. No hesitation whatsoever — he just grabbed it and went.

Kevin Pelton ESPN Staff Writer 

No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton had the stronger first half in his debut against No. 3 pick Luka Doncic as his Phoenix Suns took a 56-46 lead over the Dallas Mavericks to the break. Ayton had 10 points, five rebounds and two assists in 15 minutes, knocking down a pair of midrange jumpers and finishing an and-one with the foul on Doncic. Doncic showed his court vision, handing out three assists to DeAndre Jordan, including a behind-the-back pass for a dunk. However, Doncic missed all three shots he attempted outside the paint.

Doncic drives past Booker for layup (0:20)

Royce Young ESPN Staff Writer 

It's not hard to see what has the NBA world captivated by Luka Doncic's potential. The flash is what catches the eye, but he's completely under control and poised with the ball. It's almost as if he's been playing professionally at a very high level already.

Doncic eases to basket for first points (0:16)
Curtis Compton /Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP
Atlanta Braves
8h

Suit: Braves should've acted before '15 fan death

A lawsuit filed by the family of Gregory Murrey, who died in 2015 after falling from the upper deck at a Braves game, contends fan deaths at other parks, including the Rangers', should have led MLB to demand all teams have higher guardrails.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Ezekiel Elliott does not have an issue with the decision by Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa to withdraw from school and focus on the rehabilitation of a core muscle injury. “I think whatever is best for him,” Elliott said. “I'm not really too informed about what exactly is going on but from what I understand he has a pretty significant injury and if he was able to come back and play it would only be for like a week or two. And it's probably best for him to focus on getting that rehab and getting ready for the draft.”

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

After taking care of personal issues, defensive tackle David Irving was able to practice some on Wednesday and is on track to play Sunday at Washington.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

The Cowboys will remain in the Washington D.C. area after Sunday's game to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Cowboys have done a few of these field trips with Jason Garrett as coach, visiting the 9/11 Memorial a few years ago and spending time at NASA before a preseason game in Houston. “I think we're all striving to be our best and I think that's what you try to do as a coaching staff, always try to help everyone on your team be the best that they can be,” Garrett said. “There's so many different inspirational examples that we have. Many of them in sports. Many of them in football. But so many outside of sports. So there are so many different ways you try to have this message be in front of your team on a daily basis. Again, this is a unique experience for us to be able to go up there. The schedule worked out well and There's so many amazing things about our country that are commemorated in Washington and this is the one we wanted to see and I think everybody is excited about the opportunity.”

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Defensive tackle David Irving was not at the portion of practice open to the media Wednesday as he deals with off-field issues. Jason Garrett said Irving was around this morning and expected to do something in practice. Receiver Tavon Austin is seeking a second opinion on a groin injury that is expected to keep him out multiple weeks.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Sean Lee will practice for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury Sept. 23 at Seattle, but Jason Garrett said the linebacker will start out in a limited basis and see how he feels as the session goes along. If Lee can play Sunday, the Cowboys will work out a rotation between Lee, Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch.

Ben Fawkes ESPN Staff Writer 

After Philly's loss last night, teams that played preseason games in China are now 1-8 ATS and straight up in their regular-season opener, since the 2014-15 season. The Mavs are 1-point underdogs tonight in Phoenix.

Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer 

Winless in three road games, the Cowboys are averaging just 12.3 points and 276 yards away from home this season, converting just nine of 38 third-down chances. Pro Bowl right guard Zack Martin said, “the communication on the road has not been anywhere near how it's been at home.” At issue: two new starters on the line in Joe Looney and Connor Williams and new receivers and tight ends. “It's being on the same page with the calls and communicating, whether it be different snap counts or different line calls when it's real loud, or different signals to different guys,” Martin said. “So it's just being on the same page. That's really what's killed us the first three road games. That's the big thing we need to clean up.”

Press Start: 2018 Australian & NZ NBA lineup (1:44)