The season is here, and it snuck up on all of us. However, it didn't sneak up on the Dallas Mavericks, whose offense looked better than ever this preseason. Dallas and Luka Doncic are looking to take a step forward this season. And game one against the Phoenix Suns is the first real opportunity to showcase that next step on a national stage.

This game is the first opportunity to see whether Maxi Kleber's preseason shooting can carry over to meaningful basketball. The game is the first opportunity to see just how well Josh Richardson fits next to Luka. And it is an opportunity to assess just how deep and impactful the Mavs bench can be in meaningful regular-season minutes.

Top storylines heading into the opening night:

• Game one of the season is always a tone-setter in the NBA. We know the team goes as Luka goes, but finding a second option for Luka offensively is a priority. If the team wants to be as great as projected, finding a secondary playmaker is a necessity. Is that guy Richardson? Or is that guy Tim Hardaway Jr.? Maybe that guy is someone else. These are the questions game one can start to answer.
• The Mavericks' defense is always a cause for concern. Devin Booker and Chris Paul provide a perfect opportunity to see who could function as an on-ball stopper for Dallas. Both Paul and Booker are supreme on-ball creators for Phoenix. Giving Dallas necessary reps going against heavy pick-and-roll schemes early is a must. And finding out who will be the best perimeter stopper for a team with deep playoff hopes will allow for needed insight going forward in the season.
• Game one also marks the first act in the Luka MVP season show. How he chooses to lead sets the expectations for the season. Again, the team goes as he goes. And if Luka isn't engaged and creating, the historic offense of last season will be just that – last season's affair. Doncic has the potential to be the best player in the NBA. This is his season for the taking. He sits at a +400 to win MVP, according to Draft Kings.
• Lastly, Dwight Powell returns from his ruptured Achilles. Seeing what he looks like playing extended minutes will be important as the Mavs frontcourt attempts to piece together minutes until Porzingis returns from his knee injury.

Projected starting lineups:

                      Mavericks vs. Suns

PG: Luka Doncic	PG: Chris Paul
SG: Josh Richardson	SG: Devin Booker
SF: Tim Hardaway Jr.	SF: Mikal Bridges
PF: Dorian Finney-Smith	PF: Jae Crowder
C: Dwight Powell	C: Deandre Ayton

Last notes heading into game day:

Dallas has something to prove this season. And so does the wonder-boy, Luka Doncic. It's important to not over-value the first matchup of the year, but both teams have a new look and something to show from an active offseason. The game will be a matchup of feeling each other out and tone setting. If the bench holds up, and a clear secondary ball-handler steps up, Dallas could be in a great spot for the year. Tip-off is set for Wednesday at 9:30 p.m CT, aired on ESPN.

Feature image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports