By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Far from a simple task in Target Center, in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals, Luka Doncic powered through an injury and fueled a win, 120-114, for the Dallas Mavericks.
Dealing with constant booing and more from the crowd on Tuesday, he tallied 24 points with 10/27 field goals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His only three-pointer of the night increased the lead to eight points with just over one minute on the clock and highlighted an 11-point display in the fourth quarter.
“We have me, Klay [Thompson], Kai [Kyrie Irving]. Those two guys, anybody can take a shot,” he said, “Sometimes they’re going to double us if somebody’s hot and in this situation, they doubled Kai, so I got the opportunity to shoot it.”
ANGELFACE KILLER LUKA DONCIC pic.twitter.com/1bMgIdgQ7k
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) October 30, 2024
With 1:10 remaining in the second quarter, the Slovenian superstar was hit inadvertently by Jaden McDaniels. He limped toward the locker room. Overcoming the setback, he returned in the second half and led his side to a 3-1 start in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season.
“I stopped and somebody hit me from behind, and my knee went forward,” he described the injury, “It was not a good feeling.”
Besides 24 points, Doncic went for eight assists, eight rebounds, and one steal over 40 minutes. German teammate Maxi Kleber (right hamstring strain) stayed on the injury list.
Doncic doing it WITH STYLE 🪄pic.twitter.com/UTgYAjmTYR
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) October 30, 2024
The Wolves‘ starting center, French Rudy Gobert was limited to seven points and 2/5 field goals. His effort additionally featured eight rebounds and one assist in 31 minutes.