The Dallas Mavericks got a huge performance from Luka Doncic in the final of five NBA games played on Christmas.
Doncic eclipsed 10,000 points in his career with 50 points in the game. The Mavs defeated the Phoenix Suns by a final score of 128-114 and improved to 18-12 on the season.
“I love playing in this environment,” Doncic said. “Especially away. It’s fun for me. When you make a shot, the whole gym is quiet. It’s the best feeling in the world.”
In addition to putting up 50 points, Doncic added 15 assists, six rebounds, four blocks, and three steals. Bernard King, Wilt Chamberlain, and Rick Berry are the only players to score 50 points on Christmas. Doncic’s overall stat line is an NBA first.
The Mavs defense was able to largely contain Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. After Dallas got out to a hot start, Phoenix used a combination of aggressive defense and three-point shooting to eventually take a one-point lead in the third period. The Suns were unable to keep pressure on Doncic in the final period.
“We went a little cold there in the third, but we got some great looks; I thought Luka was saying on the bench during the game about just staying with it, and we’re in the game,” head coach Jason Kidd said following the game.
The Mavs needed a big final period to secure the win, outscoring the Suns 37-22 to secure the win. Doncic continued to be a dominant part of the offense, hitting multiple three-point shots and opening opportunities for his teammates as the Suns continued to employ a double-team defense against the Slovenian star.
The Mavs will return to action on Wednesday with a match against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team will then go on the road for a three-game Western Conference trip.
