Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic nets 21 in home win over Grizzlies

The Dallas Mavericks were hot as superstar Luka Doncic was getting the offense rolling. They had won five of their last seven games before weather forced the Mavs to postpone two straight games.

Dallas returned to action against the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 22. It was their first game in over a week. Kristaps Porzingis was ruled out before tipoff with a back injury meaning the Mavericks needed someone to step up on Monday night.

Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Richardson, and Jalen Brunson did just that versus the Grizzlies. Luka had the offense rolling, and the Mavs played one of their best defensive games of the season. The 21-year-old superstar produced plenty of highlights on Feb. 22. Let us take a closer look at his performance.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic nets seven in first half versus Grizzlies

It was a slow start for both teams, but Dallas quickly snapped out of it. Luka missed his first two shots and came up empty after a trip to the foul line, but Josh Richardson picked up the slack. He had 11 first-quarter points as the Mavs raced out to an 18-5 lead after eight minutes.

Doncic finished the first with just two points in eight minutes, but Dallas had a 13-point advantage heading into the second. The Grizzlies scored just 13 in the opening period, which tied a season-low for points allowed in a quarter for the Mavericks.

Luka pulled off Dirk Nowitzki’s signature move early in the second quarter.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1364036779657940993

The Mavericks expanded the lead to 18 at the break. Doncic finished the first half with seven points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

Next: Second half