Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic returns in loss to Bulls

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic was back in the lineup and dropped 23 points in a loss against the Chicago Bulls on March 2.

The Dallas Mavericks were on the second of a back-to-back set on Monday night. It was also the wrap up for a four-game road trip against the Chicago Bulls.

Luka Doncic missed Sunday’s win in Minnesota with a thumb injury. He was back in action against the Bulls. Unfortunately, the Mavs were without Kristaps Porzingis and Seth Curry. Porzingis rested for the fourth straight second of a back-to-back. Curry’s hot stretch ended because of lower back soreness.

The Mavericks had a nightmare third quarter in Chicago. They led most of the first half until being outscored 33-17 in the third. The Bulls never looked back in securing the 109-107 win on their home floor. Chicago was without Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen on Monday night too.

It was a loss that could haunt the Mavericks. The only good news was Luka Doncic played 38 minutes and looked fully healthy. He was not seen favoring his thumb. Doncic finished with 23 points, five rebounds, nine assists, and four turnovers. He was eight of 20 from the field against the Bulls.

Doncic had ten points in the opening quarter and looked ready to lead the Mavericks to victory. He struggled in the second half scoring just eight, but it was positive to see him looking healthy.

Up next

The Mavericks return to face the Pelicans on Wednesday. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN. Fans should tune in and enjoy that game. It will be Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson going head-to-head at the American Airlines Center. There will be fireworks.

The Smoking Cuban will have plenty more that game plus analysis on the Dallas Mavericks, so please check back with us often.