Mavericks Adapt Without Luka Dončić as Positive Signs Emerge for His Return

Luka Dončić nears return as the Mavericks thrive without him, defeating the Knicks 129-114 behind balanced scoring, strong defense, and key contributions.

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks have navigated a challenging stretch without Luka Dončić, and their most recent performance—a 129-114 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday—highlighted their ability to thrive through depth and balance. With Dončić sidelined for a fourth straight game due to a right wrist sprain, Dallas improved to 11-8 on the season and 4-1 in games without their superstar.

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Before Wednesday’s game, head coach Jason Kidd offered a positive update on Dončić’s recovery. While there wasn’t a clear timetable, it added reason for optimism that his return may be on the horizon.

“Looks good,” Kidd said. “We just got off the road, so we haven’t had practice. But everything that has come back indicates he looks good and is getting closer to coming back to play.”

Dončić’s Injury and Recovery Timeline

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Dončić sustained the injury during a 132-91 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on November 14. Despite playing through the discomfort and finishing with 26 points, he acknowledged postgame that his wrist issue began early in the contest and worsened as the game progressed. An MRI confirmed a sprain, and the Mavericks initially ruled him out for one week with plans for a reevaluation.

“It started hurting in the first quarter, but I tried to play through it,” Dončić said. “By the end of the game, it was really bothering me.”

With the Mavericks off for Thanksgiving, the team will resume practicing on Friday before departing for Salt Lake City ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Utah Jazz. The Mavs will begin a two-game road trip with a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, making it a back-to-back.

With Dončić sidelined, Dallas has embraced a collective approach to maintain its competitive edge, leaning on Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, and Naji Marshall, among others, to lead the charge.

Resilience on the Road

The Mavericks’ recent road trip showed the team’s resilience and adaptability without Dončić. Dallas went 2-1, securing a thrilling 123-120 victory over the Denver Nuggets, falling in a hard-fought overtime contest to the Miami Heat, and bouncing back with a gritty 129-119 win against the Atlanta Hawks.

In Denver, Dallas built a 24-point halftime lead, powered by Marshall’s career-high 26 points and Washington’s 22-point, 13-rebound double-double. While Nikola Jokić recorded a triple-double (33 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists) to fuel a Denver comeback, the Mavericks’ poise and defensive stops down the stretch sealed the win.

Irving dedicated the victory to Dončić, saying, “We miss you, hermano. Hopefully, at home, you’re happy, man. This is definitely one for him and one for all of our guys that aren’t able to be here and be healthy.”

Against Miami, the Mavericks pushed the Heat to overtime but faltered late, losing 123-118. Irving scored 27 points, while Lively contributed 14 points and 13 rebounds. Despite the loss, Kidd praised the effort, calling it a “total team performance.”

The trip ended on a high note in Atlanta, where Irving overcame illness to score 16 of his game-high 32 points in the fourth quarter. Hardy, starting in place of Dončić, added a season-high 23 points, while Marshall and Washington contributed timely scoring and defensive plays.

“This was just a gutsy win,” Irving said. “We showed what we’re made of tonight. Everyone stepped up, and we stayed together through tough stretches. Wins like this build character and show the resilience of our group.”

Balanced Effort Against the Knicks

Returning home, the Mavericks carried their momentum into their matchup with the Knicks. Six players scored in double figures, with four topping the 20-point mark for the second consecutive game—a franchise first.

Marshall continued his impressive play, leading the team with 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting. Grimes added a season-high 21 points against his former team, shooting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc while pulling down seven rebounds. Irving delivered another well-rounded performance, finishing with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Dinwiddie chipped in 21 points and a season-high 9 assists.

Washington recorded his fourth consecutive double-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. His two-way presence has been pivotal during Dončić’s absence.

“Talking is big for us, especially with guys like Lively protecting the rim,” Washington said. “We focused on rebounding, limiting them to one shot, and getting out in transition. That’s been a huge emphasis for us while Luka’s been out—everyone contributing and communicating. When we do that, it makes things easier on both ends of the floor.”

Dallas’ defense also played a key role, holding the Knicks to just 15 points in the first quarter, their lowest-scoring opening frame of the season. Kidd highlighted the team’s defensive execution.

“Holding a team like that to 15 points in a quarter shows our commitment to the defensive end,” Kidd said. “We’ve talked a lot about setting the tone early, communicating, and being disciplined, and I thought the guys did a great job executing that tonight.”

Dončić’s Looming Return

As Dončić’s return nears, the Mavericks face the challenge of reintegrating their superstar while preserving their developed chemistry. Irving, who has averaged 25.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in Dončić’s absence, reflected on the team’s growth while having to adapt.

“This gives our role players an opportunity to step up, take more shots, and learn in real time,” Irving said. “When Luka comes back, we’ll be stronger because of it. I’d prefer for us to be 100% healthy, but since that’s not the case, we’re making the most of the situation. I’m staying present and appreciating the effort this team is giving. We know every night is a battle, and I’m proud of how we’ve competed.”

Standout performances from players like Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington have driven the Mavericks’ ability to thrive without Dončić. Marshall has averaged 23.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over the last four games, stepping into a critical offensive role. Washington has contributed 18.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game during the same stretch, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact both ends of the floor.

“We need guys like P.J. and Naji to maintain this level of aggressiveness when Luka comes back,” Kidd said. “It’s not just about one or two players carrying the load—it’s about everyone knowing their role, being confident, and contributing. That’s what makes us dangerous. When everyone steps up and plays their part, it makes us a stronger, more complete team.”

The Mavericks’ ability to thrive without Dončić has bolstered their confidence and demonstrated their depth. For a team that went 4-8 without the Slovenian superstar last season, they’ve shown significant progress in handling these situations.

“Everything we’ve done without him only makes us stronger when he’s back,” Kidd said. “This group has built confidence in themselves and in each other, and that’s what you need to be a great team. The ability to trust the process, step up when needed, and grow through adversity—that’s what this stretch has been about for us.”

Looking Ahead

With Dončić’s availability still uncertain for the Mavericks’ two-game road trip, the attention shifts to the latest developments from Friday’s practice.

This practice will be the first chance for an update about Dončić’s status after the initial timeline of one week before re-evaluation. The team must also submit their injury report for Saturday’s game later that evening.

Regardless, the Mavericks have proven they can compete with the league’s best even without their centerpiece, setting the stage for a promising stretch ahead. With a road trip against two rebuilding Western Conference teams, they are well-equipped to take care of business.

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