Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic drops 34 in loss to the Clippers

Massive third quarter

Luka Doncic dominates the third quarter, and he did it again on Tuesday night. He began driving the ball with authority. Doncic was looking for easy points to get the Mavericks back in the game.

Luka threw down a monster dunk early in the period. Fans can relive it again below.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1219817267552231425

The Mavs star played all 12 minutes in the quarter because he caught fire. Doncic produced 13 points, two rebounds, and three assists. The 20-year-old had the full arsenal on display. He hit a step back 3-pointer to go along with his attacking the rim and drawing fouls. Doncic even busted out the floater against the Clippers.

Kawhi Leonard matched him every step of the way in the second half. Both men went off the third quarter. Here is NBA’s official Twitter with the highlight video

Strong down the stretch

Doncic played well in the fourth quarter too. He had 11 points and two assists, but it was not enough. The Mavericks missed some easy shots down the stretch as the Clippers pulled out the hard-fought victory on Tuesday evening.

It was positive to see Luka play well in the final quarter. The four-game absence with an ankle injury allowed the 20-year-old to get his legs back under him and gave Coach Carlisle a chance to examine his minute’s distribution. They left him in for the entire third quarter tonight, but that did not hinder Doncic down the stretch.

Next: Highlights and looking ahead