Luka Doncic showcased his resilience, bouncing back from a scoreless first quarter to contribute 23 points and lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 124-118 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night.
Despite a strong fourth-quarter performance from LaMelo Ball, who secured his first 30-point triple-double, the Hornets were unable to maintain their early lead against the Mavericks.
Doncic’s 23-point contribution was accompanied by a well-rounded display from his teammates, with Kyrie Irving and Grant Williams adding 18 points each, including a trio of crucial 3-pointers in the final quarter.
Rookie Dereck Lively II made an impressive impact with 15 points, 14 rebounds, and a significant fourth-quarter block, solidifying the Mavericks’ collective effort.
While Ball’s 30-point triple-double, featuring 23 points in the fourth quarter along with 13 assists and 10 rebounds, demonstrated his individual brilliance, it was not enough to secure a win for the Hornets.
Irving’s crucial free throws in the closing seconds effectively secured the win for the Mavericks, who displayed resilience and composure under pressure.
Gordon Hayward and P.J. Washington led the Hornets’ offensive charge, each contributing 20 points, while Mark Williams added 19 points and 10 rebounds.
The balanced offensive display from the Mavericks, with seven players scoring in double digits, underscored their cohesive team performance, ultimately leading to a hard-earned victory against the Hornets.
