Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic makes history in loss to Trail Blazers

The Dallas Mavericks had won four straight games as superstar Luka Doncic had their offense performing at an elite level. The 21-year-old is red hot and making his case to start his second straight All-Star game.

The Mavs hosted the Portland Trail Blazers on Feb. 14. It was their six straight home game, but it promised to be a difficult one. The Blazers had won three straight. Fans were expecting a scoring duel between Doncic and Damian Lillard on Valentine’s Day.

The two superstars did not disappoint on Sunday night, but it was Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers that got the upper hand. That did not stop Luka from putting on a show. Here is a closer look at his best plays.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has 24-point first half versus Trail Blazers

Doncic started on Sunday evening with some beautiful passing. He found Maxi Kleber on a roll for an easy bucket.

Luka put together an impressive first quarter. He brought his bag of tricks to the American Airlines Center. Fans saw him hit Dirk Nowitzki’s signature shot and bust out the euro step in the first quarter.

Doncic had 13 points, one rebound, and three assists in the first, but the Mavericks trailed by nine at the break.

Dallas cut the lead to two with Luka on the bench. He returned with 5:29 left in the second and got the Mavs back in front by locking in his 3-point shot. Doncic finished with 24 first-half points on eight of 12 shooting from the field as he stayed red hot. Dallas was up three at the break.

Next: Second half

Luka Doncic drops 44 points as Dallas Mavericks fall to Trail Blazers

The Blazers blitzed the Mavs for 45 points in the third quarter, but that did not stop Doncic from putting on a show. See an incredible pass for a wide-open triple below.

Luka had ten points and three dimes in the quarter to give him 34 and seven for the game. The 21-year-old was on fire, but the Mavericks defense was lackluster at best in the third as Portland pushed their way to a 12-point advantage.

Doncic started the final period on the bench, but coach Carlisle brought him back with just under nine minutes remaining. The Mavs were down 11 and needed to get stops to have a chance. Luka brought them back as he continued to attack the paint and get buckets.

The Portland Trail Blazers held on in a wild and entertaining game on Valentine’s Day. Doncic produced 44 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and five 3-pointers made, but he missed the game-tying shot with under five seconds remaining. Luka was 14 of 20 from the field and was incredible in his 36 minutes of action.

The Dallas Mavericks superstar made his share of history on Sunday night too.

Next: Luka makes history

Luka Doncic makes history as Dallas Mavericks fall to Trail Blazers

Luka set a Mavericks franchise record on Valentine’s Day. He scored 25 or more points for the 14th consecutive game, which topped Dirk Nowitzki and Mark Aguirre who each had 13 straight. The 21-year-old is no stranger to setting records and making history.

Doncic had his 11th 30-point game of the season and 46th of his young career. He sits third in NBA history in 30-point games before turning 22 years old trailing on LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Luka pushed it over 40 on Sunday. See the history he made there below.

The Mavericks superstar continues to find his name mentioned among the best players in NBA history. He is red hot right now and fans should not miss a moment of the action. Luka has the offense rolling, but the Mavs need to get their defense sorted out to become a viable title contender. Keep an eye out for changes in the week ahead.

The Dallas Mavericks have two days off before returning on Wednesday evening against the Detroit Pistons. It is the finale of a seven-game homestand for Dallas. Expect Luka Doncic to stay hot against the Pistons. The Mavs would love to wrap up with another win before heading to Houston later in the week. Do not miss it.