Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic makes the right plays in win over Nets

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 113-109 on Thursday night. Luka Doncic led the way for Dallas, but the Nets did well at slowing him down in the second half. They were aggressive in double-teaming and bringing help in the paint when the 22-year-old drove to the basket. Luka made the right plays and lifted the Mavs to victory.

It took a team effort to get the win. Doncic relied on his teammates, and they delivered against the Nets. Tim Hardaway Jr. had 23 points. Dorian Finney-Smith chipped in 17 as six Mavericks scored in double-figures. Dallas was without Kristaps Porzingis and Maxi Kleber, but it did not matter. Everyone stepped up on both ends of the floor to help them grab the crucial win.

It was an impressive performance from Luka. The 6’7 guard led the Mavericks to a season series sweep over one of the best teams in the NBA. Here is a closer look at his performance on May 6, and what it means for the Mavs going forward.

Luka Doncic gets others involved as Dallas Mavericks defeats Brooklyn Nets

Luka had it going in the first half. He nailed this 3-pointer over Kevin Durant for his first made field goal of the game.

Doncic had 19 points on five of 11 shooting from the field in the first 24 minutes. He nailed this 3-pointer, which got Mavericks’ GOAT Dirk Nowitzki pumped up.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1390467143054106626

The Nets upped the defense on the 22-year-old superstar in the second half. He missed all six of his field goals in the third quarter and finished with just one point. The Mavericks were keeping pace because others were stepping up. See Doncic find Josh Green for an alley-oop below.

Doncic nailed a key bucket late in the fourth quarter to give Dallas some breathing room. See the incredible shot below.

It was a rough shooting night for Luka, but he still lifted the Mavericks to a win because he did not try to do too much. The 22-year-old superstar finished with 24 points, ten rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. He was just seven of 22 from the field, but Dallas outscored the Nets by seven points in his 36 minutes on the floor. Doncic continues to make his MVP case down the stretch.

The Mavs are currently fifth in the Western Conference. The win put Dallas a full game ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers in the race to skip the play-in tournament. Remember, only the top six teams in each conference advance directly to the playoffs. Teams seven through ten must take part in the play-in. Get the particulars of the tournament here.

The Dallas Mavericks have no time to rest. They host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night at the American Airlines Center. Every win matters as they look to avoid the play-in. Expect Luka Doncic to go off as the Mavs look to grab another victory. Do not miss it.