The Dallas Mavericks have a short time to get ready for the 2011-2012 season. Sunday night the Mavs take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in their first preseason game.
On Friday night the Mavs hosted WinterFest 2011 at the American Airlines Center, which included open practice where fans got to watch the team scrimmage for free.
It was the first time fans got to see the team up close and personal, including the newest players on the roster, as the Mavs prepare for their first game on Christmas Day.
Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said the team appreciated fans supporting the team after the lockout.
"We had a really great turnout tonight, I don't know how many people were in there, but the whole lower bowl was full," Carlisle said.
Carlisle describe the first scrimmage as a little "rag-tag" but says there's some work to be done Saturday. "The good news is, as far as I know, everybody is still healthy," he said.
The Dallas Mavericks will hoist their 2011 NBA Championship banner up into the rafters before they play the Miami Heat in an NBA Finals rematch at 1:30 p.m. at the AAC on Christmas day.
The Mavs will play 66 games in NBA's compacted season.
