The Dallas Mavericks have adjusted the start time for their upcoming game against the Golden State Warriors to accommodate a tribute for former coach Don Nelson.
The contest, scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, will now begin at 7 p.m. CT, moving up from the originally scheduled 8:30 p.m. slot, according to Yahoo Sports.
The 90-minute shift is intended to provide fans with additional time to celebrate the legacy of the man affectionately known as Nellie, per Yardbarker.
Don Nelson served as the Mavericks head coach and general manager from 1997 to 2005 and passed away on August 9, 2026, at the age of 86.
The organization plans to host a special “Nellie Night” featuring ceremonies and video tributes to honor his impact on the community, as reported by NBA.com.
As part of the celebration, the first 10,000 ticketed fans in attendance will receive a commemorative deck of playing cards inspired by the late coach.
Players are also expected to wear specialized shirts during pregame warmups to show their respect for his tenure with the franchise.
In recognition of Nelson’s love for animals, the Mavericks organization is donating $25,000 to the Humane Society of North Texas in his name.
Local viewers in the Dallas-Fort Worth market can watch the broadcast exclusively on KFAA 29, while additional coverage will be available on the MavsTV Network and MavsTV+.
Radio listeners can tune in to 105.3 The Fan or ZonaMX 99.1 for game updates.
The earlier start time may also assist fans with travel logistics, potentially allowing them to return home earlier than a traditional late-night tip-off would allow.
Tickets for the event remain available for purchase through the team’s official website.
The organization continues to finalize details for what officials describe as a night built to celebrate a significant figure in Dallas sports history.