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Luka Doncic, who scored 51 points, drives on Jeremy Sochan during the Mavericks’ 126-125 win over the Spurs. |
The Mavericks needed every one of Luka Doncic's 51 points to defeat the Spurs as Dallas' legendary five-game run ended.
Dallas defeated San Antonio 126-125 on Saturday night because of Doncic's two rebounds and two free throws in the final 4.5 seconds. This was Dallas' sixth straight win.
In the previous five games, Doncic had three 50-point performances, including a 60-point, 21-rebound, and 10-assist performance against the Knicks on Tuesday night that required OT. He is the only NBA player to ever have 250 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists over the course of five games.
Mavericks center Christian Wood said it was "amazing." I have never seen somebody perform as well as he can in my seven years in the league. He's on a fantastic run. He is acting like the MVP. One of the league's greatest players without a doubt.
Dallas defeated San Antonio for the sixth time in a row thanks to 25 points from Wood.
Sam Antonio's Keldon Johnson scored 30 points, Jeremy Sochan added 20, and Jakob Poeltl finished with 19 points and 15 rebounds.
The Mavericks were forced to scramble in the last minute after leading by 17 points.
With the Spurs down 126-124, Dallas player Davis Bertans fouled San Antonio guard Tre Jones after Jones willfully missed the second of two free throws. The following free throw was converted by Jones, but the next one was missed.
With 1.5 seconds remaining, Doncic missed two free throws, preventing San Antonio from attempting a game-winning shot.
It's difficult to win here, according to Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. However, Luka was outstanding once more. He saves us once more by missing the late-game free throws despite his best efforts to make them, preventing them from having time to build up a play.
Jones scored 18 points in total.
Gregg Popovich, the coach of the Spurs, jokingly guaranteed that Doncic would be limited to 50 points. The Mavericks star nearly complied.
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Luka Doncic embraces Spurs coach Gregg Popovich after the Mavericks’ win. |
No, Doncic said of his 51-point performance, "I simply wanted to get a win."
51 points, but, wasn't it nice?
Doncic responded with a broad smile, "Of course.
The 6-foot-7 forward couldn't pass 50 points for the first time in his career because he missed two free throws with 4.5 seconds left in the game.
With his typical mix of step-back jumpers, mid-range jumpers, 3-pointers, and free throws, Doncic destroyed San Antonio. He made 18 of 28 field goals.
Yes, Popovich said, "We had a terrific team effort and individual effort on him, but he's a fantastic player. His IQ is really high. So, like everyone else in the world, we would rather win than lose, but (I'm) extremely pleased with their effort and the way they persisted even after we fell behind by a certain amount, 13, 14, I forget.
All but eight of the Mavericks' points in the first quarter came from Doncic, who finished with 22 points and an assist.
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