Dallas Mavericks dominate Oklahoma City Thunder without Luka Doncic

The Dallas Mavericks wrapped up the first half of their schedule on March 3 as they hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder. They were hoping to go into the break over .500, but had to defeat the Thunder without superstar Luka Doncic. The 22-year-old sat with a back injury, but fans should not be worried.

Dallas needed Kristaps Porzingis to step up as Jalen Brunson filled in as the starting point guard. It would be no easy task as the Thunder are a young team that always plays hard.

The Mavs used a total team effort to dominate the Thunder on Wednesday night. Let us take a closer look at the win and who stepped up without Luka.

Dallas Mavericks dominate the Oklahoma City Thunder without Luka Doncic

The Mavs had arguably their best defensive game of the season as they topped the Thunder 87-78. Oklahoma City shot 32.6 percent from the field and committed 13 turnovers on Wednesday night. Dallas held the Thunder under 20 points in three of the four quarters to dominate the action.

The Mavericks used a balanced effort on the offensive end. Four players finished with double figures in scoring as they shared the ball well. Kristaps Porzingis produced 19 points as he led the team in plus/minus on March 3. Josh Richardson chipped in 16 points and four steals. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 19 points with Jalen Brunson putting up 11.

The Mavs had a poor shooting night from 3-point range, but it did not matter. They dominated the game on Wednesday night and head into the All-Star at 18-16.

The Dallas Mavericks return to action on March 10 against the San Antonio Spurs. Fans can watch Luka Doncic in the All-Star game and Skills Challenge on Sunday night. The best is yet to come from the Mavs this season, so stay tuned. Expect them to make a push in the second half.