Dallas Mavericks survive Luka Doncic ejection to win in Cleveland

The Dallas Mavericks completed the season series sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 124-97 win on May 9. Luka Doncic was well on his way to a strong game before being ejected after receiving a flagrant-2 foul in the third quarter. Doncic will be able to play on Tuesday, but the rest of the Mavericks stepped up without their star to earn the dominating win. Dallas has won four straight and ten of their last 12 as they attempt to dodge the play-in tournament.

The Mavs used a team effort on Sunday night. Tim Hardaway Jr. was the leading scorer with 25. Josh Richardson chipped in 20 on nine of 14 shooting from the field. Dallas had five players in double figures as they shot over 54 percent in the second straight dominating win over the Cavaliers.

There was not a ton of highlights from Luka Doncic, but the Mavericks still picked up the victory. Here is a closer look at Luka’s performance, his ejection, and what it all means going forward.

Dallas Mavericks survive Luka Doncic ejection to win in Cleveland

Doncic showed off his defensive chops in the second quarter before finishing it for an easy score on the offensive end. See the beautiful play below.

Doncic was tossed from the game with 10:07 left in the third quarter with the Mavericks up by 11. The 22-year-old hit Collin Sexton in the groin after a hard bump from the Cavaliers guard. The flagrant-2 foul that was assessed has no impact on his technical foul count, so Luka is eligible to play in their next game barring a suspension for the action from the NBA.

Doncic finished with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 22 minutes of action in Cleveland. The added rest could turn into a plus for the Mavericks and their superstar.

Tim Hardaway Jr. led the way for Dallas on Sunday night as he stayed white-hot. See a beautiful 3-pointer from the third quarter here.

The win allows Dallas to stay in fifth in the Western Conference. They do not want to fall to seventh and be part of the play-in tournament. The Mavs final four regular-season games will all be important for playoff seeding. If they keep winning, Dallas will finish fifth and be riding high going into the postseason.

Kristaps Porzingis missed his sixth straight game on May 9. Fans should keep a close eye on his status of the final week of the regular season.

The Dallas Mavericks are back in action on Tuesday night in Memphis against the Grizzlies. Ja Morant and his team are fighting hard for play-in position. It will be an important game for both teams. Expect plenty of fireworks, and do not miss it.