A funny scene unfolded in the Mavericks' locker room when Smith was being interviewed by media members and his cell phone went off.

It was Chris Paul calling. Smith grew up watching Paul play at Wake Forest after he spent his youth in Clemmons, N.C.

"He makes sure I'm straight, whether it's on the court or off the court. He told me he's staying here tonight, so we'll probably catch up. He's just a genuine guy. I can ask him how his rookie year was and what he went through and he'll give me an honest answer. That helps me grow."

Paul said he expects big things from Smith.

"I've (known) Dennis for a long time," he said. "He's been at a camp of mine. I used to talk to him when he was at NC State and I follow him. Now, I'm probably one of his biggest fans. It was crazy today to play against him. Y'all got a treat here in Dallas and y'all need to make sure you take care of him."

Twitter: @ESefko