Luka Doncic returns in great style to lead the Dallas Mavericks: "It was fun to sit down, watch, and enjoy"

Luka Doncic returned to action after missing five games due to a wrist injury, and he did not disappoint. With a stellar performance of 36 points and 13 assists, the Slovenian led the Dallas Mavericks to a 137-131 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night, extending their winning streak to four consecutive games.

After the game, visibly excited, Doncic shared his satisfaction with the club's social media team: “So happy! A victory!”

Overcoming Absences

Despite missing Kyrie Irving (shoulder injury), Klay Thompson (left foot), Dereck Lively II (right knee), and Naji Marshall (illness), the Mavericks demonstrated their collective strength. Irving, who was instrumental with 30 points in the Saturday victory over the Utah Jazz, was unavailable, but Doncic not only filled his absence but also expressed his admiration for how the team remained competitive in his absence.

“Obviously, I think their pace was incredible. They were playing amazing,” Doncic remarked. “I just tried to adapt to that. They beat really tough teams, and it was fun to sit back, watch, and enjoy.”

The game was closely contested from the start. Portland had a 10-point lead in the first quarter, but Dallas managed to reduce the gap and took the lead at halftime (61-58), thanks to a masterful finish by Doncic with two three-pointers and a mid-range shot.

In the third quarter, the Mavericks were up by 12 points with a powerful dunk by Quentin Grimes, although the Blazers did not give up. Led by Anfernee Simons, who scored 27 points (24 in the third quarter), Portland tied the game at 127 with less than two minutes to go.

However, a decisive three-pointer by P.J. Washington from the corner secured the victory for Dallas, leaving the Blazers unanswered in the final moments.

Dallas center Daniel Gafford, despite a blow to the face in the first quarter, returned to the game and contributed 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. On the Portland side, Scoot Henderson was absent for the third consecutive game due to a left quadriceps contusion.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Luka Doncic vuelve por todo lo alto a liderar a los Dallas Mavericks: "Fue divertido sentarme, mirar y disfrutar"