Luka Doncic delivered another masterclass performance on Saturday night, tallying 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists for his second consecutive triple-double, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a hard-fought 125-118 victory over the Toronto Raptors.
The win extended Dallas’ league-best winning streak to seven games and solidified Doncic’s status as one of the NBA’s premier playmakers.
This triple-double, Doncic’s second of the season and 79th of his career, moved him into sole possession of seventh place on the all-time triple-doubles list, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain and James Harden. His stat-stuffing brilliance was complemented by Kyrie Irving’s 29 points, as the Mavericks showcased their offensive firepower in a game that saw Toronto claw back from a significant deficit late in the fourth quarter.
Doncic set the tone early, recording 15 points, eight assists, and six rebounds by halftime. He capped the first half with a jaw-dropping, banked 35-foot buzzer-beater that sent Dallas into the break with a commanding 70-54 lead. His creativity was on full display throughout, including a highlight-reel, no-look, over-the-head assist to Irving for a first-quarter three-pointer.
Irving was equally impactful, scoring 14 of Dallas’ final 17 points in the opening period to help establish an early cushion. His chemistry with Doncic continues to grow, and the duo combined to knock down 12 of Dallas’ 17 three-pointers on the night, with Doncic hitting six of 13 from beyond the arc and Irving an impressive six of nine.
The Mavericks seemed poised for a runaway victory, leading by as many as 24 points. However, the Raptors refused to go quietly. Gradey Dick poured in a career-high 27 points, including a clutch three-pointer that trimmed Toronto’s deficit to just five points, 120-115, with 1:35 remaining.
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Scottie Barnes also shone for Toronto, recording 19 points and a career-high 14 assists, while Jakob Poeltl added 20 points in his return from illness. Yet, critical calls late in the game, including a reviewed goaltending decision and a defensive foul, went against the Raptors, stifling their momentum as Dallas pulled away in the closing moments.
Despite the late push from Toronto, Doncic remained calm under pressure, securing his triple-double on a defensive rebound late in the third quarter. His ability to dictate the tempo and make key plays in crunch time once again proved invaluable for Dallas.
The game also marked the continued resurgence of Klay Thompson, who contributed 20 points to Dallas’ winning effort. His timely scoring added an extra dimension to the Mavericks’ already potent offense.
Toronto saw the return of Jakob Poeltl, who provided a steady presence inside after missing Thursday’s loss to the Thunder due to illness. Additionally, Kelly Olynyk made his season debut after being sidelined for 23 games with a sprained back, contributing 13 points in 14 minutes off the bench.
The Raptors showed resilience, especially in the second half, outscoring Dallas 64-55. However, their 18 turnovers and inability to contain Dallas’ dynamic duo ultimately proved too much to overcome.
Up next, the Raptors will host the New York Knicks on Monday, looking to bounce back from a tough loss. Meanwhile, the Mavericks face a critical test as they visit the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday in an NBA Cup knockout stage matchup.
As Doncic continues to rewrite the record books and the Mavericks maintain their red-hot form, Dallas is emerging as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference, proving that their dynamic offense can outlast even the most determined opponents.
