By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
With Luka Doncic back in the lineup, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Portland Trail Blazers, 137-131, in Moda Center on Sunday.
Despite missing the previous five games of the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season with a right wrist sprain and remaining shy of fully recovered from the injury, the Slovenian sensation lasted over 36 minutes on the latest edition of NBA Sundays. Several teammates, including Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, were on the injury list.
In a fifth straight win for the Mavs, Doncic posted a 36-point, 13-assists double-double alongside seven rebounds and three steals. He connected 15/24 field goals, including four three-pointers.
“I am just happy being out there, playing with joy,” he commented on returning to action.
“The pace was great. They were playing amazing. So, just trying to adapt to that,” he mentioned on team displays during his absence, “We’re playing team basketball and that’s what wins championships.”
German Maxi Kleber missed all his five field goal attempts, ending up with two points and seven rebounds over 27 minutes.
Israeli Deni Avdija was limited to a reserve role for the hosts but produced 21 points with 7/12 field goals, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 28 minutes.
Remaining in the starting lineup and recording 36 minutes, Belgian Toumani Camara went for 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
In three minutes, French Rayan Rupert tucked in one triple.
More NBA Sundays action in FedExForum with the Memphis Grizzlies coming back from a 19-point deficit to beat the Indiana Pacers, 136-121. Spanish Santi Aldama chipped in 15 points, six assists, four rebounds, and one steal over 25 minutes.
The Grizzlies and Mavericks face each other in American Airlines Center on Tuesday.