Luka Doncic didn’t miss a beat after he was welcomed back by his team after a five-game absence this past Sunday evening against Portland, where he commanded his team to a 137-131 victory. In his first match back, he delivered with an impressive double-double display.
The Slovenian returned with a stunning performance after mission time with a right wrist sprain. The Mavericks guard dropped 36 points, earned seven rebounds, handed out 13 assists and stole three balls, while shooting in 15-of-24 from the fired and 4-of-10 from range that night.
“Just happy, man. It’s what I love to do,” he said about bouncing back with his teammates. “I’m just happy to be out there. Obviously happy we got a win. They [his teammates] were playing amazing. They beat some tough teams. I was happy to be back with them.”
LUKA DONCIC TONIGHT:
36 POINTS
13 ASSISTS
7 REBOUNDS
3 STEALS
4 THREES
62% FGHE’S BACK. 🔥 (via @realapp_) pic.twitter.com/Z7iiu77aPv
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 2, 2024
Luka’s comeback couldn’t have come at a better moment in Dallas, as 60% of their starting lineup is currently sidelined due to health issues. “Our depth has helped us deal with some injuries and sickness and again, we missed Marshall, we missed D-Live and Klay, and for these guys to step up in their place it just shows their depth and also how good this team can be,” coach Jason Kidd said.
While Quentin Grimes has been shooting with outstanding precision in recent contests, the Mavs tactician now must resolve if the 24-year-old should get more minutes on the floor, as so many club fans have been asking for this campaign.
The four-time All-Star, on the other hand, seems to be grateful for the time he remained recovering on the sidelines, as he seemed sharper than ever. According to Doncic, he needed the rest. “Definitely. A little bit of rest [helped].
“I was kind of a little tired the last couple games I played. That shouldn’t be an excuse, but obviously, I feel way better now. I think my pace has been great this game. Just got to keep going,” he assured.
Luka’s teammates eagerly anticipated his return and talked about the importance of having an MVP-caliber player on the floor with them
The Slovenian star played this Sunday as if he never had an issue with his wrist, and his teammates were static about having him play with them against the Trail Blazers. Spencer Dinwiddie told the press about Doncic’s inevitable impact on the game.
“Anytime you have an MVP-caliber player, let’s say top five in the world, you let him be the MVP and then you figure it out,” he said about having to adjust to the All-Star’s return. “It’s our job as pros to figure it out.”
His teammate also noted how inspired Luka was in the fourth quarter, when he hit 15-straight points. “His greatness doesn’t surprise me at all,” Spencer added. “What I’m watching is from the standpoint of his body language. You can tell when he’s got a different type of look when he’s hit a couple and [he says]: I’m about to run off 15 more.”
Doncic has participated in 15 games so far this 2024-25 campaign, and is currently averaging 28.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 8 assists and 1.7 steals over 36.6 minutes per match.
