Spencer Dinwiddie leads way as Mavericks overcome Luka Doncic injury to defeat Suns

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic injured his left ankle just over three minutes into Thursday’s game against the Phoenix Suns, and he was unable to return. The team announced he suffered an ankle sprain, but Spencer Dinwiddie was not going to let Dallas lose on Jan. 26. He erupted for 36 points in the first scoreless game of Luka’s career to help the Mavericks pick up a much-needed win 99-95.

The Mavs had lost seven of their last nine games before going into Phoenix on Thursday night, and they were winless in five contests without Doncic. Luka, technically, played on Jan. 26, but the injury happened so early that one rebound and two missed field goals were the only stats he recorded. Dallas needed a spark without their superstar, and Dinwiddie provided it.

Here is a closer look at the 6’5 guard’s performance and more on the Mavs finding their defense in Phoenix. The Suns were without Devin Booker, but they had plenty of firepower on Thursday night, including getting a 22-point double-double from Chris Paul. It did not matter as the Mavericks grabbed the victory without Doncic for most of the game.

Spencer Dinwiddie leads way as Dallas Mavericks overcome Luka Doncic injury to defeat Suns

Dinwiddie wasted zero time in going off on Thursday night. He had ten points in each of the first three quarters as he locked in his jumper and showcased what he can do as the primary creator. See Dinwiddie nailing an early 3-pointer against the Suns below.

The 29-year-old finished with 36 points, six rebounds, and nine assists in 40 minutes against the Suns. He could not miss on Thursday night as he led the Mavericks to their 26th win of the season. Dinwiddie went 10 of 18 from the field, including making five 3-pointers in the Valley of the Sun. Throw in 11 of 14 from the foul line to top off the special night for number 26.

Dallas had five players in double-figures on Jan. 26 as Dorian Finney-Smith stepped up to provide Dinwiddie support in Phoenix. Doe-Doe finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds in 34 minutes of action in the win.

The Suns put up a strong effort without Devin Booker, but they struggled to score against the Mavs. Dallas was flying around the floor on the defensive end as they limited the Suns to just 95 points. Phoenix shot just 40.7 percent from the field, and it was one of the Mavericks' better defensive performances of the season. The defense was needed without Doncic and Christian Wood, and the Mavs delivered on Thursday night.

Luka Doncic is likely to miss additional time, and the Dallas Mavericks will need Spencer Dinwiddie and Tim Hardaway Jr. to step up their scoring. Christian Wood will miss at least one more week to further complicate matters but never count the Mavs out. Doncic could be back in short order, and that alone makes Dallas one of the most feared teams in the Western Conference.

The Dallas Mavericks head to Utah to face the Jazz on Saturday evening before they return home for a brief two-game homestand. Will Luka play in Salt Lake City? If not, who steps up for the Mavs. Tune in to find out.