3 takeaways as Dallas Mavericks lose to shorthanded Pelicans

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks' loss to Pelicans: 1. Luka incredible, but needs more help

Luka Doncic has started fast in each of the first two games, and that did not stop on Tuesday night. The 23-year-old had 14 points in the first 12 minutes, including this masterful finish.

Luka did not stop there. He pulled out an unthinkable assist after falling to the floor. Doncic was certainly doing his Luka magic in New Orleans.

The Pelicans got off to a faster start than Doncic, and they score 40 in the first quarter, but number 77 made sure Dallas stayed in the game. New Orleans kept trying to run away with the game, and at times it felt like they could not miss. Luka did his best, but the Mavs fell just short on Tuesday night.

Number 77 had 33 in the first three quarters as Dallas grabbed the lead in the third. The Pelicans punched back in the fourth to take the advantage back before Luka returned, and they double-teamed Doncic late to hold on for the victory.

Luka finished with 37 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists two steals, and one block in 36 minutes of action. He was 16 of 30 from the field, but just two of 13 from 3-point range. Doncic more than did his part, but he needs more help moving forward. Dallas got 23-plus points from Christian Wood and Spencer Dinwiddie, but the rest of the Mavs did not show up in New Orleans.

The Dallas Mavericks have a chance to bounce back on Thursday night in Brooklyn against the Nets, and fans will not want to miss that game, so please stay tuned.