Luka Doncic produces monster stat line to propels Mavericks over Nuggets

The Dallas Mavericks returned home after a five-game road trip to face the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 3. Both teams were dealing with COVID issues, and the Mavs were on the second night of a back-to-back, but it did not matter. Superstar Luka Doncic found a way to lead Dallas to a third straight victory in a low scoring 103-89 win at the American Airlines Center.

The 22-year-old returned from a ten-game absence caused by an ankle injury and a stint in the health and safety protocols on Jan. 2 and narrowly missed a triple-double in a win over the Thunder. There was a bit of rust, but that did not stop number 77 from putting up a massive stat line.

Luka followed it with another incredible night. There was still some rust, but it did not stop Doncic from leading the Mavericks to a massive victory over the Nuggets. Here is a closer look at his performance on Monday night, and why Dallas needed the win.

Luka Doncic triple-double propels Dallas Mavericks over Nuggets

It was a rugged game on Jan. 3 that featured 45 fouls and 36 turnovers. Doncic did not have his jumper. He is still getting his legs back under him after missing over three weeks of action, so he let his playmaking be the difference in the game. See another beautiful Luka assist below.

LD finished with 21 points, 15 assists, eight rebounds, and four steals on Monday night. He was just seven of 18 from the field and made only one of his six 3-pointers, but Luka’s playmaking more than made up for it. The Mavericks outscored the Nuggets by 25 in his 34 minutes in the Jan. 3 win.

It was a fun back and forth game between Luka and Nikola Jokic. The reigning MVP produced 27 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, and two steals in his 35 minutes of action. The Nuggets were extremely shorthanded on Monday night, and they just did not give Jokic enough help.

The Mavericks had six players in double figures as they picked up an important win on Jan. 3. The victory gave Dallas the season series over the Nuggets two games to one, which could be an important tiebreaker for playoff seeding. Luka Doncic led the way, but his teammates provided plenty of help in the team’s 19th victory over the season to put them back over .500.

Dallas Mavericks fans will not want to miss the team’s next game. They host the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 5 in what promises to be an unforgettable night as Dirk Nowitzki’s jersey heads into the rafters. Be sure to tune in and stay late to enjoy all the festivities.