The Dallas Mavericks had 71 first-half points against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 1 and it appeared that Luka Doncic and company would lead the way to victory, but LeBron James had other ideas. The Lakers punched the Mavs back by catching them in 14 third quarter points to get back in the game. Dallas returned in the fourth quarter to post a 109-104 win at the Crypto.com Arena.
The Mavericks struggled to hit 3-pointers on Tuesday night as they went on just ten of 35 during the competition. Dallas shot 50.0 percent off the field as they got into the paint and made a very easy bucket, but shooting outside almost cost the Mavs in Los Angeles.
Luca didn't have his best game on March 1, but he produced one of his best highlights of the season in the first quarter. The 23-year-old superstar also gave a tough fight to lead the Mavericks to their 37th win of the season, and here's a closer look at his performance.
Luka Doncic poster helps dunk the Dallas Mavericks beat the Los Angeles Lakers
Doncic started it as early as March 1 as he scored 12 points in the first quarter. There was no one bigger than him to fly in for an incredible putback slam on Dwight Howard. It's a play that fans will have to believe to watch as Luca demonstrates his athletic ability.
WATCH YA HEAD pic.twitter.com/EtTval6QXC
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) March 2, 2022
It was far from his best game as Doncic finished Tuesday night with 25 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and two blocks. He made nine of his 21 field goal attempts, missed all five 3-point tries, and had six turnovers, but his seven fourth-quarter points helped the Mavs secure the victory.
Spencer Dinwiddie had another strong game off the bench for Dallas with 14 points and nine assists in 24 minutes of action. His game with the second unit has been impressive since Kristaps Porzingis came into the trade from Washington. The Mavs got the Lakers out with Dinwiddie on the floor for seven, and that was a vital part of the win for the second straight game.
The Mavericks defended themselves to secure the victory. He put LeBron James and the Lakers on only 17 fourth-quarter points, which was more impressive after LA stole all the momentum in the third quarter on their home floor. The Mavs' defensive improvements have given them confidence that they can win a playoff series for the first time since winning the championship in 2011.
The Dallas Mavericks are back in action Thursday night with a host of the Golden State Warriors. Luca Doncic & Co made an incredible comeback to defeat the Dubs on February 27 in San Francisco. Expect another wild and entertaining competition in the form of Stephen Curry and Doncic going face-to-face. Fans won't want to miss it, so please tune in and enjoy.