Luka Doncic leads massive Dallas Mavericks comeback to defeat Rockets in Houston

The Dallas Mavericks got off to a slow start on Monday night before storming back in the second half, to defeat the Houston Rockets 111-106 at the Toyota Center. Luka Doncic struggled to find his jumper, so he started attacking the paint on his way to 39 points. It was far from his best game, but number 77 made 18 of his 22 free throws to help him and the Mavs pick up an impressive win.

Dallas trailed by 18 points in the third quarter before storming back to take the lead early in the fourth quarter. They traded the lead a bit throughout the final period, but the Mavericks took things over down the stretch to pick up their seventh straight win. Spencer Dinwiddie had just 11 points on four of 12 shooting on Monday night, but he nailed a key jumper in the final seconds to help Dallas secure the win.

Luka Doncic was again the story. He won his second straight Player of the Week award on Jan. 2, and the Rockets did not slow him down. Here is a closer look at Luka’s performance before taking a peek at what’s next for the Mavs.

Luka Doncic leads massive Dallas Mavericks comeback to defeat Rockets in Houston

The Mavs were lethargic in the first half. They scored just 44 points, and Luka was three of 12 from the field. Dallas was down 11 at the break, and it looked like they had zero chance to defeat the rebuilding Rockets, but fans knew Luka Doncic was not going to lay down and let the Mavericks lose.

The 23-year-old came out aggressive in the third quarter as he led the Mavericks to a 39-point third quarter to put them within four heading into the final period. Doncic was unstoppable, and he willed Dallas back into the contest. Head coach Jason Kidd could not afford to let Doncic rest to start the four, so he stayed on the floor and helped the Mavericks take the lead and finish off the win. 

Luka finished with 39 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, and one steal in 41 minutes of action. He made just ten of his 26 field goals on Monday night, but hitting 18 free throws kept up his scoring total and helped the Mavs secure the victory.

Christian Wood and Tim Hardaway Jr. played well on Jan. 2, but the Mavericks overcame more than a slow start to win. They were down three rotation players from the start. Dallas did not shoot the ball well in the first half, they struggled to defend, and fouls were an issue. Both C-Wood and Dwight Powell dealt with foul trouble all night, but the Mavericks have Luka Doncic to help them overcome it all.

Christian Wood finished with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and five blocks against his former team, despite the foul issues. He still played 29 minutes as he went eight of 14 from the field in one of his best games as a Maverick.

Tim Hardaway Jr. overcame an injury scare to finish with 21 points on seven of 13 from the field, including five 3-pointers in the win. The Mavericks needed every point, and they had to have both players step up with Luka Doncic struggling to find his jumper. It was an impressive win to keep their streak alive.

The Dallas Mavericks return home to face the Boston Celtics on Thursday night in a TNT game. Jayson Tatum and company have the best record in the league, but can they slow down Luka Doncic and his team? It will be a cannot miss contest, so please tune in and enjoy the show.