Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving get first win as Mavericks dominate rebuilding Spurs

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 142-116 on Thursday night as Luka Doncic went off for a 28-point double-double. Number 77 brought it in the first game after the All-Star break to lead the Mavs to an important victory. Dallas snapped a three-game losing streak as they extended the Spurs' slide to 15 straight contests.

It took a total team effort to finish off the impressive win. Kyrie Irving dropped 23 points and six assists as his chemistry with Luka is picking up. Fans saw Irving set screens for LD, and they are figuring out how to play together. The Mavericks had eight players in double-figures on Feb. 23, including newcomer Justin Holiday with 15 off the bench. It was an impressive performance as Dallas shot 56.1 percent from the field and 52.4 percent on their threes.

The Mavs led nearly the entire game against the rebuilding Spurs, but their defensive issues were still on display. Dallas does not have Maxi Kleber back quite yet, but the team cannot expect him to save their D. The entire team needs to play like they did in the fourth quarter to finish off the blowout win. Here is a closer look at Thursday’s performance before diving into what is next.

Dallas Mavericks defensive woes continue in win over rebuilding Spurs

Doncic put on a show for the home crowd on Feb. 23. He got wherever he wanted on the floor as LD shredded the Spurs' defense. He got into the paint at will and just kept making plays. See Luka going off below.

Doncic finished with 28 points, seven rebounds, ten assists, two steals, and two blocks on Thursday night. He was eight of 16 from the field and made 11 of his 12 free throws as Dallas outscored San Antonio by eight in his 30 minutes of action. The 23-year-old superstar did not play in the final quarter thanks to his new co-star.

Kyrie Irving threw down another dagger in the fourth quarter with Luka on the bench. The Spurs were down nine entering the period before falling behind by 26 with six minutes still left in the fourth. The eight-time All-Star ran the offense to perfection as Dallas took off with the win.

Irving finished with 23 points, six assists, and one steal in 30 minutes of action. He was eight of 13 from the field as Dallas outscored San Antonio by 34 with Kyrie on the floor.

It was the Mavericks' first win with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving sharing the floor, and the duo was fantastic. They had a combined 51 points and 16 dimes as the Spurs had zero answers. The duo could be something special, and fans saw flashes on Thursday night. The Mavs had their highest scoring game of the season, and their offense is elite with Luka and Kyrie.

The Mavs must play better defense to reach their goals. They gave up 90 points in the first three quarters, and that was the only reason San Antonio was in the game. Dallas tightened up the defense in the fourth quarter as they ran away with the blowout victory. The Mavericks need to play that way on both ends of the floor if they want to contend for the championship this year.

The Dallas Mavericks have a six-game homestand coming out of the All-Star break. They host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon in a must-see game. There will be plenty of talk about Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, but Dallas needs a win. Tune in to see if they can get it.