Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic scores 40 in seeding game loss to Suns

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic goes off for 40 in loss to Suns from Orlando

The Dallas Mavericks had a big day on Sunday. They clinched a playoff berth after the Spurs defeated the Memphis Grizzlies. Luka Doncic led the team to take on the Phoenix Suns in the Mavs second seeding game too. They wanted to get the bad taste of that opening loss out of their mouths on Aug. 2.

The Mavericks got off to a fast start for the second game in a row. They had 73 points in the first half against the Suns. Things went sour again after the break. The Mavs’ offense fell apart as the Suns picked up the 117-115 victory on Aug. 2.

Luka Doncic still had a monster performance against Phoenix. Let us take a look at his performance and the best plays.

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic drops 40 on the Suns

Luka came out attacking on Sunday evening. He was driving into the paint and making plays. Doncic had 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists in the first quarter. It included this beautiful dime to Seth Curry.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1290095230666944514

It did not stop there. Luka kept getting inside that led to 23 first-half points against the Suns. He made 11 of his 12 free throws in the first 24 minutes. Doncic had four rebounds and six assists to go with his incredible scoring. The Suns had no answers for the Mavericks superstar early. Here Luka splits a double for a score.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1290111309158088707

Doncic and the Mavericks lost the lead in the third quarter. They were settling for too many 3-pointers and leaving Phoenix too many open looks. Luka missed all four of his field goal attempts in the third. He did score six points at the free throw line, though.

The Suns lead ballooned to seven with 5:56 remaining in the fourth. Doncic returned after a short rest. He brought the Mavericks back with nine points including this clutch lay-in to put the Mavs down just two with over a minute left.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1290129625071472640

Dallas had a chance to win it with 22 seconds remaining. There were only down two, but could not get the make despite three attempts.

Luka Doncic finished with 40 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists, and six turnovers in 38 minutes of action. He was 11 of 20 from the field and 18 of 19 on his free throws. It was an amazing performance, but the defense let the Mavs down again in Orlando.

Fans cans see Luka’s full highlight reel from the 40-point night here.

Stay tuned for more on this game plus everything fans crave about the Dallas Mavericks from the season’s restart.