3 invigorating takeaways from Dallas Mavericks Christmas Day win over Lakers

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 124-115 on Christmas Day at the American Airlines Center. It was the third straight year they played on the holiday, but just their second Christmas home game in franchise history. Luka Doncic won his first Dec. 25 game on Sunday afternoon as fans back in Europe were tuned in for the matinee. The Mavs won this one for Dirk as his statue was unveiled outside the arena on Christmas morning.

The Lakers had no plans of letting Doncic defeat them after he went for 50 points against the Rockets on Friday night, but number 77 used his supporting cast to earn arguably the team’s most impressive win of the season. Dallas won their third straight game as they moved to 18-16 on the season.

LeBron James scored 38 and had another impressive Christmas Day outing, but it was not enough. The Mavericks were without four key rotation players, but it did not matter as Luka Doncic led them to an impressive win. Here are three takeaways from the Mavs' Dec. 25 victory over the Lakers.

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks win over Lakers: 3. Live and die by the 3

The Mavs could not buy a 3-pointer in the first half as Dallas scored just 43 points in the first 24 minutes. They were down 11 at halftime and the wide-open looks were just not falling. The Lakers were doubling Luka Doncic, but his teammates were not converting the open chances.

Things changed quickly in the third quarter. Dallas hit nine of their 13 3-pointers attempts in the quarter as the team exploded for 51 points. It was tied for the highest-scoring period in frachise history as the Mavericks led by 19 after 36 minutes.

Dallas never looked back as they picked up the impressive win over LeBron and the Lakers on Christmas Day. The Mavs shot 18 of 44 from 3-point range or 40.9 percent on Sunday afternoon as the team continues to live and die by their outside shooting.

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks win over Lakers: 2. C-Wood does it on both ends

Christian Wood made his fifth straight start on Christmas Day. Since moving into the opening five, the 6’10 big man has played more minutes at the five and his defensive numbers have ticked up. He has had at least two blocks in every game, and that did not stop against the Lakers on Dec. 25.

C-Wood drew plenty of mismatches as the Lakers tried to double-team Luka Doncic, which left the big man opportunities to feast. He did not disappoint on Christmas Day. in arguably his best game as a Maverick.

Wood finished with 30 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and two blocks in 38 minutes of action. He is playing more as a starter and that has benefitted the Mavericks. C-Wood made 12 of his 17 field goals on Christmas Day as the Mavs outscored the Lakers by 16 when he was on the court.

Christian Wood is playing well on both ends of the floor, and he was the team’s second-best player on Christmas Day. He adds a different dimension to the Dallas Mavericks' offense, and they just need him to be passable on the defensive end of the floor. Expect Wood to stay in the starting five, and his best is still yet to come with the Mavs.

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks win over Lakers: 1. Luka makes all the right plays

It was a slow start for Luka Doncic as the Lakers were aggressively double-teaming and forcing the ball out of his hands. Number 77 did not even attempt a field goal in the first eight minutes of the game, but no team can hold down Doncic for long. He still had seven in the opening quarter and produced another monster stat line on Dec. 25.

Luka had to bring out the magic on Christmas. He was making plays all over the floor, and the fakes gave the Lakers problems. See one of his many beautiful makes below.

Doncic finished with 32 points, nine assists, nine rebounds, and two steals in 39 minutes of action on Christmas Day. He made nine of his 16 field goals and went 12 of 16 from the free throw line. The Mavericks outscored the Lakers by 25 with Luka on the floor as Doncic made it one for two against Los Angeles on Christmas Day.

The 23-year-old superstar has been unstoppable this season, and he was again on Dec. 25. Luka only improved his MVP case with the Christmas Day win, and he is showing zero signs of slowing down.

The Dallas Mavericks are back in action on Tuesday night against Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks. They will be looking for their fourth straight win, and fans know Luka Doncic will want to keep bragging rights over his friend and former teammate. Expect another monster night from number 77 that fans will not want to miss.