Luka Dončić Overcomes Rust, Injury Scare to Lead Mavericks with Game-Sealing Three: ‘That’s All That Matters’

Luka Dončić battles through early-season rust and an injury scare to hit a game-sealing three, leading the Mavericks to a 120-114 win over the Timberwolves.

Photo via Dallas Mavericks

MINNEAPOLIS — Luka Dončić may be shaking off some preseason rust, but his ability to deliver in high-stakes moments is as sharp as ever. Despite shooting struggles and a second-quarter injury scare, Dončić hit a game-sealing three-pointer in the final minute, lifting the Dallas Mavericks to a 120-114 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Dončić finished the game shooting 10-of-27 from the field and 1-of-8 from beyond the arc, with his lone three-pointer coming at the most crucial moment. After missing his first seven attempts from deep, Dončić finally connected with a 33-foot three-pointer over Nickeil Alexander-Walker, sealing the game in the final minute. Despite the early misses, Dončić’s confidence never wavered as he took and made the decisive shot.

After a historic season in 2023-24, where he averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds, Dončić has been working his way back to form. He’s currently averaging 26.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 7.0 assists on a below-average 36.4% shooting from the field and 26.8% from three. Still, Dončić’s competitive spirit was on full display in Minnesota as he found a way to make his impact felt in the game’s biggest moments.

Working Through Rust and Rhythm

Early in the second quarter, Dončić’s night took a worrying turn when he collided with Jaden McDaniels, taking an inadvertent knee to the back of his right leg. Grimacing, he limped to the locker room, leaving the Mavericks’ bench and fans concerned about his return. But Dončić emerged for the second half, visibly ready to grind out a win despite his shooting woes.