Luka Dončić’s Return Propels Mavericks Past Trail Blazers in Hard-Fought Victory
Luka Dončić’s 36-point return leads Mavericks to a 137-131 win over the Trail Blazers, with key contributions from Quentin Grimes and Spencer Dinwiddie.
PORTLAND — Luka Dončić’s return after a five-game absence caused by a right wrist sprain couldn’t have come at a better time for the Dallas Mavericks. The Slovenian superstar delivered a brilliant performance with 36 points, 13 assists, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals in 36 minutes, leading the Mavs to a 137-131 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night.
“Just happy, man,” Dončić said postgame. “This is what I love to do. I was just happy to be out there playing with joy. Obviously happy that we got the win. Felt like they were getting every shot we got in the end. Just really happy to be back.”
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With Dončić sparking momentum, the Mavericks achieved a fourth straight win and an improved 13-8 record. He felt good about his performance and could build on it well, but he acknowledged that his wrist was not fully 100 percent. It was fine enough to play and significantly impacted the process.
“It’s okay. A little sore now,” Dončić said of his wrist. “Obviously, it’s not 100 percent, but I was just happy to be able to go today. I feel way better now, and I think my pace was great this game. I just gotta keep it going.”
Early Struggles, Late Turnaround
Dallas entered the second game of a back-to-back shorthanded, missing Kyrie Irving (right shoulder soreness), Klay Thompson (left plantar fascia), Dereck Lively II (right knee hyperextension), Naji Marshall (illness), and Danté Exum (right wrist surgery). The absences showed early as the Mavericks trailed 20-10 in the first quarter. Portland took advantage of Dallas’ turnovers and missed opportunities, while Daniel Gafford briefly exited after an accidental hit to the face.
Despite the rough start, the Mavericks clawed back, closing the first quarter down 29-25. Jason Kidd credited Dončić’s steady presence for helping right the ship.
“We were a little slow out of the gate,” Kidd said. “But Luka’s leadership and some key defensive stops helped us get back into it. His ability to trust his teammates, especially under pressure, and the way the group responded collectively was impressive. It’s a big win for us, especially given the circumstances.”
Dončić’s Second-Quarter Masterclass
Dončić was electric in the second quarter, scoring 15 of his 36 points and orchestrating a 15-2 run that turned the game in Dallas’ favor. His offensive arsenal was on full display, from step-back threes to mid-range jumpers to crafty finishes at the rim. By halftime, the Mavericks had turned a deficit into a 61-58 lead, with Dončić hitting a pair of threes and a mid-range jumper in the final moments of the half.
“I think the pace was great,” Dončić said of the team’s play during his absence. “They were playing amazing. They beat some tough teams, and I was just happy to sit and watch and enjoy. Coming back, I just tried to adapt to that.”
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Dončić wasn’t the only Maverick to shine. Quentin Grimes continued his stellar play, recording a career-high 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals. His contributions on both ends of the floor were critical, particularly in the third quarter when Dallas extended its lead to 79-67 after a Grimes dunk.
“It’s great to have him back,” Grimes said of Dončić. “He got going in the second quarter, and just watching him do what he does makes things easier for us. Watching him get back to his old self is fun.”
When Portland doubled Dončić in the second half, Dallas executed effectively in four-on-three situations. When Donćić had opportunities to get post touches or attack a mismatch created by moving around the half-court in different spots, whether by screening or working off the elbow in Horns, he often took full advantage. Regardless of how Portland played it, Dončić instilled confidence in his teammates that the correct play would be made as he tends to do.
“Every team is going to double Luka at some point in the game,” Grimes added. “We just have to be ready, whether it’s me, Hardy, Spence, or P.J. in that short roll or post area. We’ve got a lot of guys who can make plays for themselves or others. It’s all about staying ready and making the right read.”
Late-Game Drama
The Trail Blazers didn’t go quietly, fueled by a stunning third-quarter performance from Anfernee Simons, who scored 24 of his 27 points in the period. Portland tied the game at 127 with 1:54 remaining on a three-point play by Deni Avdija. But the Mavericks responded immediately, with P.J. Washington knocking down a clutch corner three to regain the lead.
Spencer Dinwiddie played a pivotal role down the stretch, finishing with 20 points and calmly sinking two critical free throws after a successful challenge by Kidd overturned an offensive foul call with 43.6 seconds left.
“Spence stepping up and making those free throws was huge,” Kidd said. “That moment was a testament to our trust in each other and the preparation this team puts in.”
Dinwiddie praised Dončić’s ability to elevate the team, expressing how the Mavericks likely would have put the game away much earlier if Simons didn’t have such a hot third-quarter performance.
“When you have an MVP—or MVP-caliber—player like Luka, you let him be that MVP,” Dinwiddie said. “Outside of them shooting like 60 percent from three, I think it went well. On a relatively normal shooting night, we’d win that game going away. And credit to Simons—he’s a phenomenal player. We win easily if he doesn’t have a big third quarter.”
Building Momentum
The Mavericks received contributions across the board. Gafford returned to score 19 points and add 4 assists, while Washington chipped in with 14 points and 6 assists. Jaden Hardy rebounded from a quiet first half to score 11 points off the bench. Kidd emphasized the importance of these performances amid ongoing injuries.
“These moments provide opportunities for other guys to shine,” Kidd said. “Hardy may not have had his best first half, but he got us off to a great start in the second half. Our depth has been a big help in managing injuries and sickness.”
The Mavericks now focus on Tuesday’s NBA Cup game against the Memphis Grizzlies. A win would likely clinch the West Wild Card spot and advance Dallas to the Knockout Round. With Dončić back in form, Dallas appears poised to keep their momentum rolling.
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