PORTLAND — Luka Dončić returned spectacularly to the Dallas Mavericks’ lineup Saturday night, leading his team to a 137-131 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Dončić sidelined for five games with a right wrist sprain and delivered a stat-stuffing performance with 36 points, 7 rebounds, 13 assists, and 3 steals in 36 minutes.
With key players sidelined, including Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, and Danté Exum, a dynamic performance from the Slovenian superstar was especially needed.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd emphasized how Dončić’s preparation during his absence translated into an impressive return.
“Being hurt is never fun for him—he wants to play and help the team win,” Kidd said. “Leading up to this game, he had been playing five-on-five and preparing to get back. With some of our key guys like Kai [Kyrie Irving] being out, it was the perfect time for Luka to return. He played great, and this was a big road win for us, especially given how the schedule is set up right now.”
Dončić expressed gratitude and joy for returning to the court after an extended layoff.
“Just happy, man. This is what I love to do. I was just happy to be out there playing with joy,” Dončić said. “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.”
Dončić’s 15-point second quarter was a pivotal moment, helping the Mavericks overcome a slow start. Reflecting on the team’s performance during his absence, he added, “I think the pace was great. 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.”
Quentin Grimes delivered a career-high 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals, feeding off Dončić’s playmaking while adding his own two-way impact. Grimes credited Dončić for raising the team’s level.
“It’s great to have him back,” Grimes said. “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.”
Grimes also noted the team’s ability to respond to defensive adjustments aimed at slowing Dončić. “Every team is going to double Luka at some point in the game,” he said. “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.”
Spencer Dinwiddie, who contributed 20 points and 5 assists, highlighted Dončić’s ability to elevate the Mavericks.
“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.”
Dinwiddie played a critical role in sealing the win, sinking two clutch free throws with 43.6 seconds left after Kidd successfully challenged an offensive foul call.
“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.”
The Mavericks will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday in their final NBA Cup group game. A win would likely secure their place in the Knockout Round, sustaining Dallas’ pathway to competing in Las Vegas.
Video credit for press conferences belongs to the Dallas Mavericks.
Support DallasHoopsJournal.com
As an independent Dallas Mavericks reporter, it helps when you sign up for a premium membership to read my most in-depth content. The cost is $10 per month or $100 annually.
Follow on Other Platforms
For more Mavs, NBA, and WNBA coverage, follow Grant Afseth on X, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Be sure to subscribe on YouTube for content throughout the 2024-25 season.
Share this post