Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie Make First Return to Dallas Since Mavs Trade

Former Mavs players Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie look forward to playing in Dallas for the first time since being traded to the Nets.

DALLAS — When the Dallas Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets face off on Friday, it'll be the first time Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie have played against the Mavs since being traded for Kyrie Irving in February. 

Finney-Smith, who joined the Mavs as an undrafted free agent in 2016, was in his seventh season with the organization before the trade. He feels it'll be special to be back and already felt a warm welcome at the time of talking to the media after the Nets' shootaround at SMU's campus. 

"It feels good [to be back]," Finney-Smith said. "I've been given a warm welcome everywhere I went, you know, but I'm excited for this game tonight. It will be fun to play against some of the guys I went to war with. We've been talking about it over the summer, so it's finally here."

Finney-Smith admitted it'll be challenging to get his regular pre-game nap in given he'll be so excited to be back in Dallas to experience the moment. 

"Yeah, it'll be one of those games that trying to get a nap is going to be a little tough because I'm gonna be a little excited," Finney-Smith said. "I finally get to see the kids and stuff."

Despite the circumstances of what he considers the potential for an emotional game, Finney-Smith 

"I mean, obviously [there's added motivation after the trade]," Finney-Smith said. "It's still basketball, you don't want to overthink it. I'm here to win."

 Dinwiddie's tenure with the Mavs lasted only X games, but he played an important role in the team's run to the Western Conference Finals in a sixth-man role. He mentioned it'll be "extra special" to play in front of a fan base he greatly appreciated the chance to build a connection with during his time in Dallas. 

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