Luka Dončić Drops 27 in Return as Mavericks Cruise Past Blazers: “Everybody Was Involved”
Luka Dončić returned from a two-game absence caused by a left heel contusion and led the Dallas Mavericks to a decisive 132-108 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. Dončić’s 27 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists helped Dallas extend their strong stretch, winning 14 of their last 17 games.
“Well, I think mine was okay. Nothing special,” Dončić said about his performance. “The important thing is that we got the win. You know, I think everybody was involved, and that’s how we got to play. I think Portland has a good team. They have players that can really score, so it’s a dangerous game and we had to be locked in.”
The Mavericks improved to 19-10 on the season, while the Blazers dropped to 9-20. This was the 13th game Dallas had used its preferred starting lineup of Dončić, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, and Dereck Lively II, a group that had only narrowly surpassed 100 minutes together entering the matchup. Aside from Lively, each player in this lineup scored in double figures, including Irving’s steady 20 points.
“I think we’re in a great position,” Dončić said. “I miss games. People miss games, and I think we’re in a great spot. We have a lot of work to do still, but I think we’re in a great spot.”
Daniel Gafford provided a spark off the bench with a season-high 23 points, going 7-for-7 from the field while attempting a career-high 14 free throws, making nine. Gafford joined Jarrett Allen as one of the only players this season to score 20 or more points on 100-percent shooting from the floor.
Dallas’ offensive rhythm against Portland has consistently surpassed 130 points for the third consecutive meeting. This stretch includes notable scoring outbursts like their 137-point performance in Portland earlier this month and a 139-point effort last January. When hitting the 130-point mark, Dallas has maintained dominance over the Trail Blazers, reflecting a 13-3 overall record in such games and near-perfection in regulation matchups.
Luka Dončić’s Return Sparks Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks began the game aggressively, pushing in transition and seeking early mismatches. Dončić missed his first three shots before finding his rhythm with a floater and an and-one play that put Dallas ahead 16-13 midway through the first quarter. Washington and Thompson each contributed early, combining for 10 points in the opening stretch.
“He did great,” Irving said of Dončić. “I’m happy he stayed with it like he normally does and kept playing. The pace of the game fit everyone, and when we started participating on the defensive end and getting stops—especially at the end of the half—I felt like the offense was going to come easy. I’m glad he got into that rhythm and fit right back in, you know?”
Washington picked up his second foul with 6:25 left in the first quarter, leading to Maxi Kleber checking in. Dallas led 26-21 with 2:38 remaining, but Portland closed the quarter on a 7-0 run, capped by Scoot Henderson’s buzzer-beating three, to take a 31-28 lead. Dončić, shaking off some early rust, frequently scored on drives with his floater and short-range jumper to set the tone for Dallas, but the team succeeded when pushing the pace for open shots or early mismatches.
“It felt better as the game went on,” Dončić said. “In the first quarter, I just tried to get warm, but after that, I felt fine.”
The second quarter saw Dončić continue attacking, drawing contact for another and-one floater. His patience in half-court sets allowed Dallas to regain the lead 33-31. Dončić drained three free throws after being fouled on a step-back three, extending the lead to 41-38. Gafford’s cutting and finishing inside, including an and-one play, pushed Dallas further. Ultimately, the Mavericks took control in the second quarter with a 21-9 run, led by Dončić’s aggressive drives and playmaking. Washington added 12 first-half points on perfect shooting, finishing the night with 12 points and four rebounds.
“It’s our job and responsibility to come out with energy and consistently do the little things,” Irving said. “When we play fast and smart, while being tough defensively, we’re a hard team to beat. We know what we’re capable of when we’re all locked in.”
The Mavericks’ defensive game plan was clear: deny middle dribble penetration by icing ball screens and force closeout attacks to go baseline. However, Portland’s shifty guards, like Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, and Henderson, had moments where their hesitation dribbles and pace created clean looks that converted. However, Portland did try to pressure Dallas’ bigs, who often played up in ball screen coverage, by running actions with multiple screeners like Zoom action handoffs. Regardless, the Mavericks trusted their scheme would lead to enough success and got the job done without deviating from it.
By halftime, Dallas led 62-53. Dončić had 12 points and five assists, while Washington’s efficiency helped create separation. Dončić, Washington, Irving, Gafford, and Thompson all scored in double figures by halftime – the first time since 2009 that the Mavericks had five players achieve this in the opening half. Free throw struggles (9-of-15) prevented Dallas from expanding the gap further, but the balance and ball movement set the tone.
Daniel Gafford’s Dominance in the Third
After halftime, Dončić and the Mavericks’ offense didn’t relent when they emerged from the locker room. It didn’t matter much what Portland did defensively; once Dončić was back in his usual form, the Mavericks’ offense reached a higher gear and never looked back. Portland tried various approaches, including blitzing Dončić, full-court pressing, and mixing in some zone coverages. It was about Dallas finding its form and executing.
While the Blazers tried mixing it up at times, Dallas often punished Portland in traditional coverages, like drop coverage in pick-and-roll or against switching with isolation. The Mavericks’ 29 points derived from the ball handler in pick-and-roll were the second-most in a game this season, with Dončić accounting for 19 and Irving adding 6. Dončić scored another 6 in isolation, but the play finishing elevated this offense, with 42 from layups—tying a season-high.
“We had a lot of great possessions, and that third quarter was key for us to extend the lead. I think he did a great job of getting us going,” Irving said about Dončić.
The third quarter belonged to Gafford, who sparked the Mavericks with three and-one plays in the paint in quick succession, overwhelming Portland inside. Dallas exploded for 40 points in the period – their sixth 40-point quarter this season – continuing a perfect record in such games. Gafford’s performance energized the crowd and highlighted his growing role within the team.
“It’s a big thing for everybody. A big thing to get the crowd involved,” Dončić said about Gafford’s performance. “He played really hard today, and you can see it here. It gets everybody hyped, and we’re happy for him.”
Irving also highlighted the importance of Gafford’s energy. “He did great,” Irving said. “He played hard and got us going. When we started participating on the defensive end and getting stops, the offense came easy. That third quarter was key for us, and I think Luka did a great job of leading the way.”
Jason Kidd echoed their praise. “He was really good at that moment, being able to play to him,” Kidd said. “I thought he was aggressive in the first half, had great looks. Free throws just didn’t go down for him. But I love that his confidence didn’t waver. He came back in the second half and dominated.”
Kidd elaborated on Gafford’s physical play. “He’s strong. His body control is excellent. He knows how to use his body to position himself for those and-ones. Even if he doesn’t finish, he’s going to the free throw line to get his rhythm. Happy to have him back as we go through this stretch.”
Dallas had already surpassed the 100-point mark by the end of the third, the fifth time this season they’ve done so through three quarters. The Mavericks have yet to lose in these situations, continuing a trend established last season when they went undefeated in similar games.
“A lot of growth mentally and physically,” Kidd said. “They understand where we are in the season and what this stretch means. That 40-point third quarter showed they’re paying attention and ready to keep playing Mavericks basketball.”
Dončić checked out early in the fourth quarter after extending Dallas’ lead to 32 to an ovation from the American Airlines Center crowd. Thompson added 13 points and sank three 3-pointers, leaving him just three shy of passing Reggie Miller for fifth on the NBA’s all-time list. Thompson also recorded his fourth consecutive game with at least two steals, tying a career-high streak dating back to the 2013-14 season.
“Well, it’s not just a record,” Kidd said about Thompson. “When you talk about Reggie Miller, you’re talking about the definition of three-point shooting. I think Klay is three away. He’s shooting the ball extremely well, so we believe he’ll get it done in the next game.”
Depth and Balance Fuel Dallas Mavericks
Five players scored in double figures, demonstrating the Mavericks’ depth. Whether they’ve had injuries or illnesses to manage, it’s been a theme for this team. Dončić and Irving often set the tone with their off-the-dribble creation and passing, while the rest of the unit plays off that well. However, the Mavericks’ wings and bigs now are far more capable offensively than they’ve had in recent years, affording more options throughout games with actions and trusting read-and-react outcomes.
“I think we have a lot of depth. Everybody that enters can really play. That’s a really good thing. Injuries are going to happen. It’s a long season, but everybody can play. Everybody plays hard,” Dončić said. “Like I said before, injuries are going to happen. But the most important thing is that we play together. We have a next man up mentality, and I think that’s really important for us to stay competitive no matter who’s out.”
Irving echoed Dončić’s sentiments, praising the group’s mentality and ball movement, leading to an unselfish style of play that’s hard to guard. It’s an approach the Mavericks will continue to lean on for sustained success.
“Everybody eats, that’s our mentality,” Irving said. “When we get five or more guys in double figures, it’s a beautiful thing. It shows the ball movement and trust we have in each other. It’s a team effort. When Luka’s out, it’s about stepping up and trusting each other. We know he’s going to miss games, just like I will, but it’s a long season. When everybody feels involved, it makes our offense that much more dangerous. The trust is there, and we know it can carry us through tough stretches.”
Even though they didn’t score in double figures, the Mavericks received steady performances from the bench. Quentin Grimes added five points, three rebounds, and four assists in 17 minutes. Spencer Dinwiddie added 3 points and two assists in 14 minutes. Maxi Kleber made his first three-pointer since November 25, finishing with three points, one rebound, and one steal. Naji Marshall chipped in four points and 2 assists.
Looking Ahead: Christmas Day Spotlight
The Mavericks will wrap up their homestand with a Christmas Day matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It marks the fifth consecutive season that Dallas will participate on this slate after only having three prior to this stretch.
“It’s an honor to play on Christmas. We all grew up watching Christmas games,” Kidd said. “It shows what the league thinks of the team. We’ve been fortunate to play on Christmas for a few years now, and I think it’s a reflection of the talent and the excitement this group brings. These games mean a little more, and the guys enjoy being part of that spotlight.”
Dončić expressed excitement about the opportunity to play, especially since the 1:30 p.m. CST tipoff is a reasonable hour for his European supporters to watch. Including a 50-point triple against the Phoenix Suns last season, Dončić has averaged 36.3 points, 10.3 assists, and 6.3 rebounds on Christmas Day games.
“Christmas games are special,” Dončić said. “Growing up, you watch those games. Now I get to play in one, and that’s something I don’t take for granted. It’s also cool because it’s prime time for fans back home in Europe. I know a lot of people will be watching, so I want to make sure I put on a good show.”
Irving, who has averaged 26.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over six performances on Christmas Day, is appreciative of the Mavericks being selected. He emphasized how special each of these moments is, knowing many families are gathering and watching the games.
“Shout out to the NBA. They obviously want to see greatness on Christmas, so we got to give them a good show,” Irving said. “I’ve been lucky to play in a lot of Christmas games, and each one feels special. It’s a time when fans gather with their families and watch basketball all day, and you want to be part of those moments. I’m grateful to be on the court for it.”
