In a commanding performance, Luka Doncic made his return to the Dallas Mavericks lineup, scoring a game-high 26 points as Dallas dismantled the undermanned New Orleans Pelicans 132-91 in an NBA Cup game on Tuesday night.
The Mavericks’ emphatic victory not only marked their largest margin of victory this season but also showcased their firepower in the league’s second annual midseason tournament.
Doncic Shines in Return
After missing his first game of the season on Sunday due to a knee injury, Doncic wasted no time reminding fans why he’s one of the league’s elite. Shooting 10-for-16 from the field and 3-for-8 from beyond the arc, the Mavericks’ superstar orchestrated the offense with his usual flair. His pair of step-back three-pointers midway through the fourth quarter symbolized Dallas’ dominance, stretching the lead to an insurmountable 111-75.
Balanced Scoring Leads the Way
While Doncic’s return headlined the night, he wasn’t alone in lighting up the scoreboard. Klay Thompson contributed 19 points, showcasing his shooting touch with precision. Kyrie Irving added 18 points, including a pivotal sequence late in the third quarter where he hit back-to-back deep three-pointers, reigniting Dallas’ momentum when New Orleans was threatening a comeback.
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Pelicans Struggle with Injuries
For New Orleans, Trey Murphy III was a rare bright spot, tallying a season-high 19 points in just his fourth game back from hamstring issues. The Pelicans’ struggles, however, were glaring, as they were without five key rotation players. Zion Williamson, a two-time All-Star, missed his sixth consecutive game and remains out indefinitely, a significant blow to the team’s aspirations.
Mavericks Capitalize on Depth
Dallas demonstrated the value of a deep roster, dominating every aspect of the game. The team finished with 66 points in the paint, doubling New Orleans’ total in the area and securing their largest paint-scoring margin this season. The Mavericks’ bench also stepped up, maintaining intensity and extending the lead throughout the contest.
Defense Sets the Tone
On the defensive end, Dallas stifled New Orleans, holding them to 34 points in the paint and forcing tough shots all night. Rookie Yves Missi managed to grab nine rebounds—all in the first half—but the Pelicans’ lack of consistent scoring options left them unable to capitalize on second-chance opportunities.
Key Momentum Shift
The Pelicans showed signs of life late in the third quarter, cutting the Mavericks’ lead to 81-65. However, Irving’s back-to-back three-pointers from 25 and 29 feet quickly extinguished any hopes of a comeback. The momentum swing proved decisive, and Dallas never looked back, closing out the period with a commanding lead.
NBA Cup Atmosphere
Adding to the night’s spectacle was the Mavericks’ use of a special NBA Cup tournament court at home for the first time. Unlike last season, when manufacturing issues prevented the court’s debut, this year’s setup amplified the unique atmosphere of the midseason competition.
A Tale of Two Teams
While the Mavericks have now won three straight games and appear to be hitting their stride, the Pelicans are headed in the opposite direction. New Orleans has now lost 11 of their last 13 games, with injuries and inconsistency derailing their early-season promise.
Looking Ahead
Dallas will now head out on a three-game road trip, beginning with a tough matchup in Denver on Friday. The Nuggets edged out the Mavericks in a nail-biter earlier this season, setting the stage for a competitive rematch. Meanwhile, the Pelicans will complete a back-to-back on Wednesday as they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team eager to rebound from their own recent loss in Boston.
Final Thoughts
The Mavericks’ dominance in Tuesday’s NBA Cup game was a statement of intent. With Doncic back in the lineup and firing on all cylinders, Dallas looks poised to continue their climb in the standings. For the Pelicans, health and depth remain pressing concerns as they fight to stay competitive in a challenging Western Conference.
