Luka Dončić’s Return Fuels Mavericks to Blowout Victory Over Depleted Pelicans

Dončić, who missed Sunday’s game against Oklahoma City with a knee injury, returned to lead Dallas with a game-high 26 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals in 30 minutes. His presence was instrumental in a first-quarter explosion where the Mavericks put up 44 points, setting the tone for the rest of the night.

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“We’re kind of known for slow starts this season, so it was great to see us come out with energy,” Dončić said. “It’s all about playing with pace and locking in defensively. When we do that, we’re a tough team to beat.”

Setting the Tone Early

Dallas’ hot start was a collective effort, but Dončić was the catalyst. The All-NBA guard opened the game with back-to-back steals near half-court, converting both into layups. The Mavericks shot a blistering 17-of-24 (70.8%) from the field in the first quarter, including 6-of-10 from three-point range, and ended the period with a commanding 44-29 lead.

“Luka really set the tone with those two great steals,” head coach Jason Kidd said. “That energy, that defensive effort, it just lifted the whole team. From there, everything started clicking offensively.”

Klay Thompson, who had struggled in recent games, found his rhythm early, scoring 10 of his 19 points in the opening quarter. He knocked down two threes during that stretch and helped the Mavericks maintain their momentum.

“Klay’s ability to bounce back is what makes him special,” Kidd said. “He’s a professional, and he doesn’t let one bad game carry into the next. Tonight, he showed why he’s one of the best shooters ever.”

Thompson, who has been vocal about trusting the process during his up-and-down shooting stretches, emphasized the importance of staying steady.

“As a captain of the seas, I love any boating analogy,” Thompson said with a smile. “Rough waters come and go, but the key is staying the course. Nights like this remind me why I believe in myself.”

The Mavericks’ starting lineup was a new combination, including Dereck Lively II at center, P.J. Washington and Thompson on the wings, and Irving and Dončić in the backcourt. Lively finished with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in the start, while Washington struggled to shoot but added 4 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 steal. The group helped get Dallas off to a strong start and never looked back.

Dončić and Irving Set the Tone

Dončić’s fingerprints were all over the Mavericks’ dominant win. Beyond his scoring efficiency—10-of-16 from the field, including 3-of-8 from deep—Dončić orchestrated the offense precisely and provided a defensive spark. His three steals highlighted his engagement on the less glamorous side of the ball, helping set the tone for Dallas’ explosive first quarter.

“First Team All-Defense,” Dončić joked when asked about his early steals. “I just try to read the game and make plays. Defense is something I’m always working on.”

Dončić’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed by his teammates either. “Those steals really got us going,” Klay Thompson said. “Luka’s ability to disrupt the other team right from the jump helped us establish the energy we needed. It’s the kind of leadership that fuels everyone.”

Naji Marshall, who also praised Dončić’s defensive work, highlighted its influence on the rest of the team. “Luka doesn’t get enough credit for what he does defensively,” Marshall said. “He’s always reading the game, making the right plays on both ends. That early defensive energy—it’s contagious.”

For Dončić, setting the tone on defense is just one aspect of his leadership. He also praised Kyrie Irving, who added 18 points and shot 4-of-5 from three-point range.

“Kyrie is just special,” Dončić said. “I see it every day, and it still amazes me. His handle, his shot, the way he finishes—it’s unbelievable. I’m lucky to play alongside him.”

Depth Delivers Again

Dallas’ bench played a significant role in securing the win, contributing 56 points and 25 rebounds. Facing his former team for the first time, Marshall scored 15 points in the second half and added 3 steals.

“Marshall was great, defensively and offensively,” Kidd said. “He got us organized, attacked the paint, and made plays. That kind of energy is what we need from him.”

Marshall, who signed a three-year, $27 million deal with Dallas in the offseason, admitted the matchup held personal significance.

“I couldn’t sleep last night, but it wasn’t because of the game,” Marshall said. “I’ve been talking to these guys since the summer about playing against them. Once you talk about it too much, it gets boring. I was just ready to jump in and compete.”

Quentin Grimes chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds, while Daniel Gafford recorded 11 points and 6 boards, including a few highlight-reel dunks. Meanwhile, Jaden Hardy added 11 points and 3 assists, while Maxi Kleber contributed 2 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Pelicans’ Struggles Continue

New Orleans’s loss extended its slump to 11 defeats in its last 13 games. Missing six of its top nine rotation players, including Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Herb Jones, the Pelicans were outmatched from the start. Trey Murphy III led the team with 19 points, while rookie Yves Missi grabbed nine rebounds.

“They’ve got a lot of injuries,” Kidd said. “We’re not trying to embarrass anybody. But we’re also focused on doing our job, and tonight, we did that.”

Looking Ahead

With the win, Dallas improved to 8-7 and will begin a challenging three-game road trip starting Friday in Denver. The Mavericks’ focus remains on building consistency, particularly after a four-game losing streak decided by a single possession earlier this month.

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