Dallas Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis shines in heartbreaking loss to Spurs

The Dallas Mavericks dropped a heartbreaking game to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night. They were looking for the season series sweep of their in-state rival for the first time in franchise history, but the Spurs were not going to let it happen. DeMar DeRozan drilled the game-winner in the closing moments to give San Antonio the 119-117 win on April 11.

Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis had one of his best games of the season, though. He was unstoppable in the first half and kept Dallas in the contest. The Unicorn fouled out with just over one minute remaining in the final quarter. He finished with 31 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in 36 minutes of action. KP was 12 of 21 from the field, including making three 3-pointers.

Here is a closer look at Porzingis’ impressive performance against San Antonio and what it could mean for the Unicorn going forward.

Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis shines in loss to San Antonio Spurs

Porzingis had his jumper locked early including hitting this one from way deep.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1381403373572927490

KP used the threat of his 3-point shot to get to the rim in the first quarter. See his beautiful drive and finish from the opening period below.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1381403945470455810

Porzingis had a driving dunk in the first half too. Fans have seen him putting the ball on the floor and attacking more in recent games. Adding that threat only makes the Unicorn more dangerous as the Mavericks head into the postseason.

KP went off in the first half. He had 20 points, ten rebounds, and two blocks in the opening 24 minutes. According to Mavs PR, Porzingis was just the seventh player in the league to produce a 20-point ten-rebound half this season.

The Unicorn was far from done. He finished with 31 and 15 against the Spurs. It was just the third he scored over 30 points this season. Porzingis had 15-plus rebounds for the third time as well. It was an impressive night for the 7’3 big man that was spoiled by a DeMar DeRozan game-winner.

KP is just starting to play his best basketball, and fans should not worry about the Unicorn. The Mavs are a dangerous team with their two stars firing on all cylinders. Expect Porzingis to continue his hot streak as Dallas tries to climb to sixth in the Western Conference down the stretch. No team wants to face the Mavericks with Luka Doncic and the Unicorn healthy. Stay tuned to see how it plays out.

The Dallas Mavericks will not have to wait long to bounce back. They face the Philadelphia 76ers at the American Airlines Center on April 12. Stay tuned to see if Kristaps Porzingis suits up on the second night of a back-to-back set.

Expect an entertaining game on Monday night that fans will not want to miss. Check back to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest on the Mavs, including unmatched daily opinions and analysis. Do not miss it.