Kyrie Irving stepped up with 24 points, leading the depleted Dallas Mavericks (21-15) to a commanding 139-103 triumph over the struggling Portland Trail Blazers (9-25) on Friday night. Jalen Hardy and Tim Hardaway Jr. each scored 19 points.
In a well-rounded team effort, Josh Green and A.J. Lawson chipped in with 14 points each, while Derrick Jones Jr. added 12. Hardy showcased versatility with career-highs of nine rebounds and seven assists.
Despite missing Luka Doncic (right ankle swelling) and six other players, the Mavericks dominated from the first quarter onward, securing their second consecutive win over the Trail Blazers.
The absence of Doncic, along with starters Dereck Lively II and Grant Williams, who sustained ankle injuries in the previous game against Portland, didn’t hinder the Mavericks’ performance.
Jerami Grant contributed 18 points, and Scoot Henderson posted 17 points and 10 assists for the struggling Trail Blazers, who suffered their third consecutive loss.
