Doncic’s triple-double leads Mavericks past Thunder 104-102

DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic had 20 factors, 12 assists and 11 rebounds for his third triple-double in 5 video games, and the surging Dallas Mavericks withstood a late run by the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder to win 104-102 Monday night time.

Dallas led by 22 factors throughout the third quarter, however the Thunder minimize a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit to 2 with 3.5 seconds left on Ty Jerome’s 3-pointer. Oklahoma Metropolis then fouled Josh Inexperienced with 2.9 seconds to go, and Inexperienced missed each free throws.

After the ball was superior to the forecourt, Josh Giddey threw a cross-court inbound go for Mike Muscala, however Tim Hardaway Jr. gained the battle for the ball.

Dorian Finney-Smith added 17 factors and 10 rebounds and Kristaps Porzingis had 13 factors, eight rebounds and 4 blocks for the Mavericks (25-19), who've gained three straight and 9 of their final 10.

Doncic did most of his scoring on the free-throw line, the place he hit 12 of 14. He was 4 for 17 from the ground, lacking all six of his 3-point pictures.

“I attempt to do different issues higher as a result of clearly I couldn’t make nothing,” Doncic stated.

“He’s gotten nice appears to be like (from distance),” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd stated. “He’s simply bought to maintain capturing them. That’s it. I feel we’ve seen one of the best shooter on this planet not make all his pictures in (Steph) Curry.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 factors to guide the Thunder, who've dropped seven of their final eight video games.

“It’s a testomony for him to attain a fairly environment friendly 34 when he’s getting guarded like that,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault stated. “An indicator that he’s discovered the best way to discover his cracks (within the protection).”

Giddey stated he thought Muscala can be open for the ultimate shot with the Mavericks concentrating on Gilgeous-Alexander.

Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder ahead Luguentz Dort (5) makes an attempt to shoot as Dallas Mavericks ahead Dwight Powell (7) and guard Jalen Brunson (13) defend throughout the first half of an NBA basketball sport, Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, in Dallas.

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After Dallas scored 13 straight factors to take a 70-48 lead with 6:13 left within the third quarter, the Thunder responded with a 22-2 run — together with 11 of Gilgeous-Alexander’s 15 factors within the interval — to shut inside 72-70 within the quarter’s ultimate minute.

ONE MAN’S FANCY

Doncic has 41 profession triple-doubles, 5 this season. The opposite 349 gamers who've ever performed for the Mavericks have a mixed 40.

EASY DOES IT

Porzingis performed 27:33 in his second sport again after lacking seven straight whereas within the NBA’s well being and security protocol. He left the sport for good with 3:51 to play with Dallas main 94-91 and appeared upset when subbed out. Kidd stated he’s not but able to play Porzingis greater than half-hour a sport.

“I bought a bit pissed off in that second, and that was it,” Porzingis stated. “We moved on.”

JUST NOT ENOUGH

The Thunder’s final 4 losses have been by 4, 4, 5 and two factors.

“Everyone knows we’re on the right track,” stated Luguentz Dort, who had 18 factors and 7 rebounds.

TIP-INS

Thunder: Oklahoma Metropolis went into play final within the NBA averaging 100.8 factors and is 12-12 when it scores in triple digits. ... Giddey ran his streak of consecutive video games scoring in double figures to eight with 10 factors. ... With Darius Bazley returning to the beginning lineup following 10 video games off the bench changing 30-year-old Derrick Favors, essentially the most skilled OKC starter was Gilgeous-Alexander, in his fourth season. Bazley shot 1 for 8 and had two factors and 6 rebounds in 19 minutes.

Mavericks: Dallas got here in permitting 102.7 factors per sport, the third fewest within the league. Throughout its run of 9 wins in 10 video games, it has given up a mean of 94.5 factors per sport. … Doncic has scored 20 or extra factors in seven consecutive video games. ... Ahead Maxi Kleber left the sport within the third interval with left knee soreness. ... Reserve ahead Reggie Bullock, averaging 6.4 factors in 23.9 minutes per sport, sat out with proper knee soreness.

UP NEXT

Thunder: Wednesday at San Antonio for the second sport of a four-game highway journey.

Mavericks: Host Toronto on Wednesday within the first of a house back-to-back.

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