Mavericks Dominate Knicks Without Luka Dončić Behind Balanced Scoring and Stifling Defense

Despite playing without Luka Dončić (right wrist sprain) for the fourth consecutive game, the Mavericks improved to 11-8 on the season and 4-1 when he doesn’t play. They used stifling defense and an offense that saw six players score in double figures—a trend in their recent performance to stay afloat without their best player. It occurred despite playing without Daniel Gafford (illness), Klay Thompson (left plantar fascia), and Danté Exum (right wrist surgery) being sidelined.

“Without Luka right now, we’re finding ways to win,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. “And with Luka, we’ll find ways to win. It shows the character of this team and the depth we’ve built.”

Kyrie Irving set the tone for the Mavericks with 23 points and 6 assists, providing a steadying presence throughout the game. He’s been a driving force behind the team getting by without Dončić lately, averaging 25.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in those five games. With six double-figure scorers—including four with at least 20 points for the second consecutive game—the supporting cast has stepped up.

“We’re just unlocking each other’s skill sets and trying to do all the little things for each other to be successful,” Irving said. “Obviously, when you’ve got a 30-point scorer not in the lineup, you’ve got to do everything you can as a team to will yourself to these victories.”

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First-Half Dominance

Dallas came out aggressive on both ends of the floor, holding New York to just 15 first-quarter points—the Knicks’ lowest-scoring opening frame of the season. The Mavericks’ defense was suffocating, forcing difficult shots and limiting New York to 26.2% shooting in the first half.

“We came out with a great mentality, attacked them first, and they were missing some easy ones,” Irving said. “God willing, they’re a great team, and they’ve been playing hard. They had a great matchup in Denver, so we just wanted to make sure we matched their physicality and did all those things.”

P.J. Washington, Quentin Grimes, and Dereck Lively II set the tone defensively early by disrupting the Knicks’ offensive rhythm. The team has locked in on its defensive execution by being intentional about communication as a unit.

“Our communication on defense was key,” Washington said. “Talking is big for us, especially with guys like Lively protecting the rim. We focused on rebounding, limiting them to one shot, and getting out in transition.”

Since the Mavericks lost 115-113 against the Jazz, their fourth consecutive single-possession loss, the team has executed at a high level, winning six of their last seven games. Grimes brought up the team meeting, which was a turning point.

“I feel like after the game in Utah, we had a team meeting, and since then, everybody’s been really locked in on what they should be doing defensively as a team, as a unit, and just playing together,” Grimes said. “Every game after that, we’ve been on one accord, and everybody knows exactly what we should be doing.”

Offensively, Naji Marshall sparked the Mavericks in the first quarter, scoring seven points, including a crafty floater and a three-pointer. Starting in place of Dončić, Grimes added to the momentum with a fast-break layup and a three-pointer during a decisive second-quarter run that pushed Dallas’ lead to 24 points by halftime. Washington, who would finish with 19 points, hit two timely three-pointers in the second quarter as Dallas built a commanding 60-38 advantage.

“Defensively, we were really good,” Kidd said. “Holding a team like that to 15 points in a quarter shows our commitment.”

Balanced Scoring Attack

The Mavericks’ offense was a model of balance and efficiency, with four players scoring 20+ points for the second consecutive game—a first in franchise history.

Marshall led the team with 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting, marking his fourth consecutive 20-point game, the longest streak of his career. Marshall’s ability to attack the basket and hit outside shots has consistently boosted Dallas during Dončić’s absence.

“It feels easy out there because so much attention is on Kyrie, P.J., and Big Dereck Lively II,” Marshall said. “I just play my game, and it’s all a testament to the work I’ve put in.”

Grimes delivered his best performance against his former team, scoring a season-high 21 points, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. He added 7 rebounds and 2 assists while playing an integral role defensively.

“I didn’t really have extra juice,” Grimes said. “It’s just kind of how things worked. I’m pretty familiar with their scheme, and it was good to go out and get a good win.”

Spencer Dinwiddie was effective, scoring 21 points and dishing out a season-high 0 assists. His ability to control the pace and find open teammates was critical in maintaining Dallas’ offensive flow.

Washington recorded his fourth consecutive double-double, finishing with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high-tying seven assists.

“When I was out, rebounding was a big issue,” Washington said. “Every time a shot goes up, I’m trying to be aggressive on the glass and help us get good looks.”

Lively was the Mavericks’ final double-figure scorer, with 12 points and coming a rebound shy of a double-double with 9. On a night without Gafford in the lineup, Lively did the dirty work despite early foul trouble.

Role Players Step Up

While the scoring leaders carried the load offensively, every Maverick who saw the floor made meaningful contributions. Lively anchored the defense and battled in the paint against Karl-Anthony Towns, who finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds but was held in check during the game’s decisive moments.

Maxi Kleber provided valuable minutes off the bench, knocking down a three-pointer and contributing on the defensive end. Dwight Powell brought energy and hustle, helping control the glass and providing physicality in limited minutes.

“DP steps up and gives us some positive minutes there. Maxi, being able to have him, is big,” Kidd said.

Dallas’ three-point shooting was another standout aspect. The team hit 17 of 33 attempts (51.5%), marking its second-highest total of the season. It was the first time this year that the Mavericks connected on 15+ threes in back-to-back games.

From the scoring bursts of Marshall and Irving to the defensive versatility of Washington and Lively, the Mavericks displayed a deep squad that continues to be capable of overcoming injuries. It used to be a significant struggle to get by in games without Dončić, but it shows the progress made with the roster.

“Without Luka right now, we’re finding ways to win,” Kidd said. “And with Luka, we’ll find ways to win. It shows the character of this team and the depth we’ve built.”

Knicks Struggle to Keep Pace

The Knicks were out of sync for much of the night, with Jalen Brunson’s game-high 37 points as their lone bright spot. Towns managed a strong stat line but was neutralized mainly in the first half, while O.G. Anunoby, coming off a career-high 40 points, was held to just eight points on 3-of-15 shooting. The Knicks’ 38 first-half points were their lowest in any game this season.

“Holding a team like that to 15 points in a quarter shows our commitment,” Kidd said.

The Mavericks’ team defense forced difficult shots and limited second-chance opportunities, keeping the Knicks on their heels throughout the game. Dallas imposed its will early, setting the tone with physicality on both ends of the floor. Irving emphasized the team’s approach.

“We matched it and sometimes overpowered them,” Irving said. “That’s what it takes to be great in this league—you’ve got to bring it, you’ve got to bring the fight to the guys.”

Looking Ahead

The Mavericks will enjoy a two-day Thanksgiving break from game action before traveling to Utah for a Saturday matchup with the Jazz.

“It’s a learning lesson, but I’m glad we got this win,” Irving said. “Now we can continue this streak, get two days off, and then head to Utah.”

Kidd provided a positive update on Dončić’s recovery, saying the star is “trending in the right direction.” Dallas resumes practice on Friday, which should offer more insight into Dončić’s situation, given that he will be re-evaluated this week. 

With Dončić nearing a return, the Mavericks’ ability to perform at a high level without him for a stretch only strengthens their case as a serious contender in the Western Conference.

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