The Dallas Mavericks have adjusted the start time for their upcoming game against the Golden State Warriors to accommodate a special tribute.
The matchup scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, will now begin at 7 p.m. CT instead of the original 8:30 p.m. slot, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
This 90-minute shift is intended to provide fans with additional time to honor the life and career of former head coach and general manager Don Nelson, per Yardbarker.
Nelson, who was affectionately known as Nellie, passed away on August 9, 2026, at the age of 86.
He served as the leader of the Mavericks organization from 1997 to 2005.
The team is hosting Nellie Night to celebrate his significant impact on the franchise and the surrounding Dallas community.
The event will feature a series of special ceremonies and video tributes, according to NBA.com.
To encourage fan participation, the first 10,000 ticketed attendees will receive a commemorative deck of playing cards inspired by the late coach.
Players are also scheduled to wear specialized warm-up shirts to demonstrate their respect for his legacy throughout the league.
In recognition of Nelson’s well-known affection for animals, the Mavericks organization plans to contribute $25,000 to the Humane Society of North Texas in his honor.
Local viewers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area can watch the game on KFAA 29, while streaming options are available through the MavsTV Network and MavsTV+.
Radio coverage will be provided by 105.3 The Fan and ZonaMX 99.1 for listeners across the region.
The earlier start time may also assist fans with travel logistics by allowing the game to conclude at an earlier hour on a weeknight.
Tickets for the game remain available for purchase through the official team website at Mavs.com/Tickets.
The organization anticipates a meaningful evening dedicated to one of the most influential figures in team history.