By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Dallas Mavericks are going into the All Star Game break with a 33-22 record and Luka Doncic healthy. The Slovenian sensation clicking with Kristaps Porzingis is an additional bonus on the way to the 2020 playoffs.
Wednesday’s home victory against the Sacramento Kings marked Doncic’s comeback following his second right ankle sprain of the 2019-20 Regular Season. “Glad to be out there just playing basketball and glad we got the win” he mentioned.
The 20-year-old shined in his return with 33 points behind 10/18 field goals, 12 boards and eight assists to his name. His impact was apparent right from the start. Showed no signs of injury, rushed off the question on his condition after the match.
Dynamic duo
On his part, Porzingis put in 27 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. “He is getting used to playing with me, starting to find me in those spots,” he said on pairing up with Doncic once again, “I was able to make the plays.”
“The playmaking and the communication and the eye contact between them throughout the game offensively was fantastic,” head coach Rick Carlisle added. “Porzingis mixed rolls, pops. Luka was driving, stepping back. And they were playing great off each other. That’s a great thing to see, particularly headed into the break.”
“It’s just getting better and better. It’s good when we both have those nights” pointed out Doncic. His European teammate agreed, “Slowly these things are starting to click. I think it’s going to get better and better and better and better.”
Team LeBron
The reigning Rookie of the Year missed four games in December, seven more this time around. However got back in action in time and will make good on his upcoming All Star Game Weekend commitments.
“I was watching the draft and was hoping he was going to pick me,” he confessed on being part of LeBron James’ squad, “It’s going to be something special.” Porzingis wished him the best, “I wish him luck and hopefully he has fun.”