Wesley Matthews (Achilles) went through contact drills at Monday's practice, Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Matthews (Achilles) went through contact drills at Monday's practice, Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Analysis:

It was Matthews' first time taking contact since undergoing surgery on his left Achilles' tendon back in mid-March. While the swingman has maintained that he expects to be ready for opening night, the Mavs have been a little less optimistic throughout camp, with Rick Carlisle saying last month that a return for the first game of the season would be a "long shot." Either way, Matthews' return to contact practice is certainly a step in the right direction, and even if he's not ready to begin the season, it doesn't sound likely that he'll miss much time.