Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic struggles in road loss to Raptors

Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic struggles in road loss to Raptors

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is coming off a monster triple-double against the Bulls on Sunday night. It was his second straight triple-double and fourth time having over 30 points in his last six games. No player is hotter than Doncic right now.

The Mavs traveled to Tampa to face the Toronto Raptors on the second night of back-to-back on Jan. 18. Luckily, Jalen Brunson and Tim Hardaway Jr. returned to the lineup. The Mavericks were still without Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, and Dwight Powell in the league’s health and safety protocols. Dallas would need a special performance to pick up the win on Monday night.

Doncic struggled on the second night of a back-to-back. He still managed to put together an incredible stat line and produce plenty of highlights. Here is a look at his best plays from Monday’s game.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic shows off passing chops in loss to Raptors

It was a slow start for Doncic and the Mavs. He found Josh Green under the hoop for an easy score in the first quarter.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1351335763162648583

Luka played all 12 minutes in the opening period but hit just one field goal. He finished with six points, four rebounds, and one assist as the Mavericks scored just 18 points. The Raptors were only ahead by four after one, though.

Toronto expanded the lead to eight points by the time Doncic returned with 5:46 left in the second quarter. Luka got the Mavs right back in the game. Here is one of his four assists in the second quarter.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1351343366835998722

The game was tied at halftime as Doncic had nine points, seven rebounds, and five assists. He was struggling a bit with his shot, but that did not stop Luka from keeping the Mavericks offense rolling.

Next: Second half