3 discouraging takeaways from Dallas Mavericks blowout loss to Celtics

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks loss to Celtics: 1. Waste Doncic masterpiece

Luka Doncic was unstoppable on Wednesday night. He had 15 points in the first quarter on his way to 42 for the game on 17 of 28 from the field. Doncic also chipped in nine assists and eight rebounds in another stellar performance in Boston. Number 77 always brings his best against the Celtics, but the rest of the Mavericks wasted a special performance from Luka.

Doncic had the offense rolling, especially in the second half, but the Mavs did not bring their defense and Luka’s supporting cast missed too many open looks. Dallas struggled to make open threes in the first half, and they held Boston under 30 for the first time in the fourth quarter.

The Celtics were willing to let Luka Doncic cook as they attempted to shut down his teammates. Couple that with their hot shooting, and it was a recipe for success on Nov. 23 as the Mavericks fell to 9-8 on the season. It was the second straight loss for Dallas. Doncic stayed white hot, but his team needs to give him more help going forward.

The Dallas Mavericks continue their three-game road trip in Canada on Saturday night against the Toronto Raptors. Nick Nurse always has exotic defenses to throw at Luka Doncic, and it figures to be an exciting contest on the first of a road back-to-back for Dallas, so do not miss it.