Luka Doncic returned from a two-game absence to guide the Dallas Mavericks to a commanding 132-108 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. The Mavericks improved to 19-10, continuing their strong season, while Portland dropped to 9-20.
Doncic, who had been sidelined with a left heel contusion, finished with 27 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. He shot 10-of-19 from the field but struggled with his three-point shooting, making only one of seven attempts.
Kyrie Irving contributed 20 points, while Daniel Gafford added 23 points off the bench. Gafford’s efficiency was impressive, making all seven of his field-goal attempts. The Mavericks’ offense was firing on all cylinders, scoring 74 points in the middle two quarters alone.
Portland struggled defensively, allowing Dallas to build an insurmountable lead. The Mavericks dominated the second period with a 21-9 run, eventually outscoring the Blazers by 29 points in the second and third quarters combined. At one point in the fourth, Dallas held a 32-point advantage.
Deni Avdija was the standout performer for Portland, scoring 19 points off the bench. Deandre Ayton added 16 points, with 10 coming in the second quarter, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Mavericks’ offensive explosion.
The Trail Blazers have now lost eight of their last nine games, with inconsistent performances from key players. Jerami Grant struggled again, scoring just three points in 20 minutes. Anfernee Simons chipped in 10 points but also battled inefficiency, shooting just 5-of-12 from the field.
Dallas’ depth was on full display, with five players scoring in double figures by halftime. P.J. Washington was particularly efficient, scoring 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including two three-pointers. Klay Thompson also contributed 13 points, hitting three of eight attempts from beyond the arc.
