Mavericks' Luka Doncic: Stellar effort despite loss
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Doncic had 42 points (17-25 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals over 45 minutes during Saturday's 129-122 loss to the Heat.
Doncic tried his best to carry the Mavericks to a much-needed victory Saturday, yet ultimately fell just short of the mark. Now sitting outside the play-in picture, the mid-season trade that netted Kyrie Irving is beginning to look like a poor decision. While they are certainly still in the discussion to be a part of the play-in tournament, they don't look like a team who can challenge for the title. With only four games remaining, they are going to need a few things to go their way, starting with a victory over the Hawks on Sunday. Once again, expect to see Doncic at the forefront of their attack.
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Mavericks' Luka Doncic: Teases triple-double in loss
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Doncic produced 24 points (9-20 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, eight assists and one block in 37 minutes during Wednesday's 116-108 loss to the 76ers.
The 24-year-old superstar continues doing all he can to drag the Mavericks into the postseason. Over the last five games since returning from a thigh strain, Doncic has four double-doubles and is averaging 30.6 points, 9.4 assists, 9.2 boards and 3.8 threes. Despite those numbers, Dallas is only 1-4 over that stretch and is one game back of OKC for the final spot in the play-in tournament, with only five games remaining on the schedule.
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Mavericks' Luka Doncic: Puts up 25 points in 28 minutes
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Doncic registered 25 points (8-17 FG, 4-10 3Pt, 5-5 FT), seven rebounds, six assists and one steal across 28 minutes during Monday's 127-104 victory over the Pacers.
After the NBA rescinded the 16th technical foul of the season that Doncic picked up in Sunday's loss to the Hornets, the star point guard was cleared to play Monday rather than serving an automatic one-game suspension. Thanks to the blowout, head coach Jason Kidd was able to manage Doncic's minutes on the second leg of the back-to-back set, though Doncic still came through with a serviceable line despite handling less playing time than usual. Doncic's next technical foul will still trigger a one-game suspension, so he'll have to tread lightly with the officials over the next two weeks to avoid any missed time during a critical juncture of the season for the Mavericks, who currently sit a half game behind the Lakers and Thunder for the final two spots in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament.
Mavericks' Luka Doncic: Won't face suspension Monday
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Doncic won't be suspended for Monday's game against the Pacers after the league rescinded his 16th technical foul.
Doncic was issued a technical foul during Sunday's loss to the Hornets, but he'll be available for the second half of the back-to-back set after the league reversed the call. However, the Mavericks still have seven regular-season games remaining, and it's possible he'll be unavailable for one of those matchups if he's called for a technical foul in any of those games. Doncic has been on a tear since returning from a five-game absence, averaging 34.7 points, 11.0 assists and 9.7 rebounds in 39.3 minutes per game over his last three appearances.
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Mavericks' Luka Doncic: Facing one-game suspension
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Doncic finished Sunday's loss to the Hornets with 40 points (12-29 FG, 7-16 3Pt, 9-10 FT), 12 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, two blocks and four turnovers in 40 minutes. He was also whistled for his 16th technical foul of the season, which triggers an automatic one-game suspension.
While Doncic had a fantastic statistical game, the Mavericks fell to the Hornets for the second time in three days and are now on the outside looking in for a spot in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. Unless the NBA rescinds Doncic's 16th technical -- a rather unlikely scenario -- he'll be suspended for Monday's game at Indiana. Assuming that's the case, Doncic will still be eligible to play in three games next week, beginning with Wednesday's matchup with the 76ers in Philadelphia. After that, Dallas plays at Miami and at Atlanta in a Saturday/Sunday back-to-back set.
Mavericks' Luka Doncic: Sniffs triple-double in loss
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Doncic ended Friday's 117-109 loss to the Hornets with 34 points (12-23 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 8-10 FT), 10 rebounds, eight assists and one block over 37 minutes.
Doncic led the Mavericks once again, but he can't do everything on his own, and Dallas suffered another surprising loss despite the star guard finishing just two assists away from a triple-double. Despite the team's struggles, Doncic has been sensational in recent weeks. He's averaging 30.7 points, 9.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds across six March outings.
Doncic (thigh) closed with 30 points (11-27 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 6-10 FT), 17 assists, seven rebounds and one steal in 41 minutes during Wednesday's 127-125 loss to the Warriors.
Doncic missed his team's last five matchups while dealing with a left thigh strain, but it was clear he wasn't on any type of restriction Wednesday. He poured in a game-high scoring total -- albeit on poor shooting from the field and free-throw line -- and dominated as a facilitator while backcourt mate Kyrie Irving (foot) was sidelined, setting a new season high in assists. With a big workload already under his plate in his first game back, Doncic looks poised for a big finish to the season, as the 36-37 Mavericks can't afford to rest key players while they look to secure a spot in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament.
Doncic (thigh) is officially available for Wednesday's game versus the Warriors.
Doncic was upgraded from questionable to probable on game day, foreshadowing his return to the lineup following a five-game absence. Doncic will presumably retake his starting spot on the ball upon his return, replacing Kyrie Irving (foot), who will miss the contest. Per Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News, head coach Jason Kidd suggested 40 minutes is the cap for Doncic, so there seems to be minimal restrictions for the superstar Wednesday.
Doncic (thigh) has been upgraded to probable for Wednesday's game against the Warriors.
Doncic has missed the last five games due to a left thigh strain but is trending toward returning for Wednesday's matchup. He may face a minutes restriction if cleared to suit up, but he should still play a prominent role. Jaden Hardy should see a decrease in playing time if both Doncic and Kyrie Irving (foot) are available.
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Mavericks' Luka Doncic: Listed as questionable
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Doncic (thigh) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Warriors.
Doncic has missed five consecutive games due to a left thigh strain and may be sidelined for a sixth straight. He also drew a questionable tag ahead of Monday's loss to Memphis before being downgraded to out, so Doncic's designation for Wednesday doesn't offer any fresh insight on his status. Kyrie Irving is also questionable after tweaking his right foot in Monday's loss, so if both superstars are out again, Jaden Hardy and Josh Green would presumably garner increased usage.
