Luka Doncic poster dunk helps Mavericks top Lakers in Los Angeles

The Dallas Mavericks had 71 first-half points against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 1, and it appeared Luka Doncic and company would cruise to a win, but LeBron James had other ideas. The Lakers punched back by holding the Mavs to 14 third-quarter points to get right back into the game. It took a fourth-quarter Dallas comeback to secure the 109-104 win at Crypto.com Arena.

The Mavericks struggled to hit 3-pointers on Tuesday night as they went just ten of 35 during the contest. Dallas shot 50.0 percent from the field as they got into the paint and scored plenty of easy buckets, but the outside shooting nearly cost the Mavs in Los Angeles.

Luka did not have his best game on March 1, but he did produce one of his best highlights of the season in the first quarter. The 23-year-old superstar also closed the contest strong to lift the Mavericks to their 37th victory of the season, and here is a closer look at his performance.

Luka Doncic poster dunk helps Dallas Mavericks defeat Los Angeles Lakers

Doncic had it going early on March 1 as he scored 12 first-quarter points. None were bigger than him flying in for an incredible putback slam over Dwight Howard. It is a play fans have to see to believe as Luka showed off his athletic ability.

It was far from his best game as Doncic finished with 25 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal, and two blocks on Tuesday night. He made nine of his 21 field goal attempts, missed all five 3-point tries, and had six turnovers, but his seven fourth-quarter points helped the Mavs secure the victory.

Spencer Dinwiddie had another strong game off the bench for Dallas with 14 points and nine assists in 24 minutes of action. His play with the second unit has been impressive since coming over from Washington in the Kristaps Porzingis trade. The Mavs outscored the Lakers by seven with Dinwiddie on the floor, and he was a key piece of the victory for the second straight game.

The Mavericks picked up their defense when it mattered to grab the win. They held LeBron James and the Lakers to just 17 fourth-quarter points, which was more impressive after LA stole all the momentum in the third quarter on their home floor. The Mavs defensive improvements have them believing they can win a playoff series for the first time since winning the championship in 2011.

The Dallas Mavericks are back in action on Thursday night as they host the Golden State Warriors. Luka Doncic and company just made an incredible comeback to defeat the Dubs in San Francisco on Feb. 27. Expect another wild and entertaining contest as Stephen Curry and Doncic go head-to-head. Fans won’t want to miss it, so please tune in and enjoy.