Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic masterful in first half as Mavs win in Boston

The Dallas Mavericks continued their five-game road trip against the Boston Celtics on March 31. Luka Doncic drilled the game-winner in the first meeting between the two teams this season. The Mavs were looking to sweep the season series on Wednesday night at the TD Garden.

Luka was unbelievable in the first half as he lifted the Mavericks to a 113-108 win in Boston. The Celtics made a hard-charge in the fourth quarter, but Doncic would not let Dallas be denied. It was an incredible night for the 22-year-old star as the Mavs won their second straight game.

Luka finished with 36 points, eight rebounds, and five assists on March 31. He was 11 of 15 from the field including connecting on seven of 11 3-point tries. The Mavericks superstar committed eight turnovers, including a few head-scratchers in the second half, but it was an incredible performance against the Celtics. Here is a closer look at his night.

Luka Doncic masterful as Dallas Mavericks defeat Boston Celtics

Doncic started hot on Wednesday night. He had seven points in the first six minutes including this deep 3-pointer.

Luka’s 3-point shooting was on another level against the Celtics. He was drilling his patented step back with ease as Marcus Smart and his teammates had no answer.

Doncic hit one over Jayson Tatum to close the first half strong.

Doncic had 24 points as the Mavericks built a 64-45 lead after 24 minutes. It was a masterclass from the 22-year-old superstar. He was eight of nine from the field including hitting five triples. It was Luka’s 12th first half of the season with 20 or more points, which leads the NBA.

The Celtics were using Marcus Smart, one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, on Doncic, but he could not slow down the Mavs superstar. Boston began double-teaming and trying everything to force the ball out of Luka’s hands. They slowed him a bit in the second half but it took selling out to stop Luka to impact him on Wednesday night.

Boston made a furious comeback. The Mavs were up by as many as 23 points in the second half, but the Celtics fought their way back to within two in the final minute. No way Luka was letting this one slip away. See a beautiful floater he drilled to keep Dallas in the lead in the final period.

It was an incredible performance from the 22-year-old superstar. He showed why he is a perennial All-Star starter and MVP candidate. Doncic could not miss, despite the Celtics playing some incredible defense on him. Luka was on his game to lift the Mavericks to their 25th win of the season.

The Dallas Mavericks continue their road trip at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks on Friday night. Kristaps Porzingis will be heading back to face his former team. Expect Luka Doncic to stay hot as the Mavs look to make it three straight victories in their first game in April. Do not miss what promises to be a wild contest in the Big Apple.