Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic comeback falls short in loss to Kings

The Dallas Mavericks were sunk by a terrible start as they dropped a 121-107 game on their home floor against the Sacramento Kings. It was a bad loss as the Mavs are attempting to make a playoff push. The Kings snapped a nine-game losing streak on Sunday night. Luka Doncic tried to lead Dallas back, but the Mavs came up short.

The Kings scored the first eight points as the Mavericks were scoreless for the first three-plus minutes. Things went from bad to worse as Dallas allowed 45 second-quarter points to fall behind by 17 at the half. De’Aaron Fox and the Kings were pushing the ball and running the Mavs out of the gym on April 18.

Dallas turned the tide in the third quarter by going to their second unit. Jalen Brunson gave the Mavericks the spark they were looking for as Dallas cut the deficit to ten heading into the fourth quarter. Luka attempted to win it with some magic for the second time this week, but they could not make it happen. Here is a closer look at the game and what it means for the Mavs going forward.

Dallas Mavericks lose to Sacramento Kings after awful start

The Portland Trail Blazers lost to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, which opened the door for Dallas to make up some ground in the race for the sixth spot in the Western Conference. The Mavericks could not overcome their awful start, though. Dallas was lifeless in the first half and the Kings took advantage to end their long losing streak.

Luka Doncic caught fire in the fourth quarter. He was determined to not let the Mavericks lose. The 22-year-old had it all locked in including hitting this impossible shot.

Luka had 15 points in the first three quarters before exploding for 22 in the final period. The Mavs superstar finished with 37 points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal, and three blocks in 35 minutes of action. Doncic was 14 of 27 from the field including hitting four 3-pointers. It was just not enough to top the Kings.

The Mavs struggled on the defensive end on Sunday night. They allowed the Kings to shot 49.4 percent from the field including sinking 11 of their 24 3-point tries. De’Aaron Fox had 30 points and his quickness gave Dallas problems all night. It was a disappointing loss for Luka and company.

The Mavericks are 13-14 at home this season and have now dropped four of their last five games. The rough stretch has sunk their chances of avoiding the play-in tournament. They need to get back on track as the playoffs approach. It appears Dallas will be part of the play-in and will need to win one game to advance to the traditional bracket.

The Dallas Mavericks have two days off before facing the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. It will be a must-win for Dallas on the first night of a back-to-back set. Expect Luka Doncic to go off as he attempts to get the Mavs back in the win column. Fans will not want to miss it.