NBA Round-up: Doncic Shines in Return, Cavaliers Top Celtics
Doncic Led Dallas Past the Blazers, Cavs Outduels Celtics, and More
Doncic Returns to Lead Mavericks Past Blazers
Luka Doncic made a triumphant return to the court on Sunday, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 137-131 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers after missing five games due to a wrist injury.
Doncic sparked the Mavericks’ offense with 36 points, seven rebounds, and 13 assists. The Mavs secured their fourth consecutive win despite the absence of Kyrie Irving (shoulder) and Klay Thompson (foot). Quentin Grimes stepped up in their absence, contributing 28 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including five three-pointers.
Mitchell Powers Cavs Past Celtics in Thrilling Comeback Win
Donovan Mitchell explodes for 35 points and seven rebounds, helping the Cleveland Cavaliers burst through a 14-point deficit to upset the Boston Celtics, 115-111. The Cavs’ victory marked their fifth consecutive win and cemented them as the top team in the NBA this season.
Mitchell was simply unstoppable, particularly in the fourth quarter where he hit a perfect 6-of-6 from the field, including four threes. Darius Garland chipped in with 22 points, five rebounds, and eight assists.
The Celtics saw their seven-game winning streak crumble despite Jayson Tatum’s 33 points and eight rebounds. The absence of Jaylen Brown and Derrick White proved too much to overcome.
LeBron Reaches Extraordinary Milestone in Lakers Victory
LeBron James etched his name amongst NBA history once again, becoming the second player in NBA history to hit 15,000 field goals. The Lakers edged the Utah Jazz, 105-104.
Turning 40 on December 30, James now has a clearer picture of the target he chases – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains the king of field goals made with 15,837.
The Lakers improved to 12-8, solidifying their bounce back after a recent loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Harrison Barnes Stopped
## Rockets Combat Thunder, Spurs Grab Road Victory
In a thrilling Western Conference showdown, the Houston Rockets initially Burns, 119-116.
Fred VanVleet, led the Rockets, erupting for 38 points. The Rockets won six of their previous seven games, keeping pace with the Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander countered for Oklahoma City with 32 points, however, it was not enough to overcome the Rockets hot shooting.
The Spurs stunned the Kings in Sacramento, 127-125, propelled by a Wembanyama triple-double. It marked the third triple-double of the star rookie’s career.
## Grizzlies Extend Streak, Nets Fall to Magic On The Road
Ja Morant didn’t have to play hero, but his Grizzlies ran past the Pacers, 136-121.
Undefeated Jaren Jackson Jr.
Led by Santi Aldama with
15 points. HANDLINGtrey balls in 25 minutes off the bench. Indiana reaches 12-loss.
Orlando took down
at Northern
In a unique battle of Spanish supremacy, French No. 1 draft pick Victor Wembanyama recorded another triple-double.
How many three-pointers did Donovan Mitchell make in the fourth quarter against the Celtics?
## NBA Roundup: Doncic’s Return and Mitchell’s Magic
**(Intro Music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to the show, folks. We’ve got a jam-packed NBA roundup for you today, with Luka Doncic making a statement in his return and Donovan Mitchell pulling off a thrilling comeback win. Joining me to discuss all the action is our resident NBA expert, John Smith. John, welcome to the show!
**John Smith:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with Luka Doncic. He was back in action for the Mavericks after missing five games with a wrist injury and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat.
**John Smith:** Absolutely. 36 points, seven rebounds, and 13 assists for Doncic. That’s Luka doing Luka things. It was a great performance, and the Mavericks needed it. They were missing Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, but Doncic carried them to their fourth straight win. Quentin Grimes also stepped up big time, adding 28 points. [[1](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-trade-rumors-roundup-lakers-041147428.html)]
**Host:** Impressive stuff indeed. Turning our attention to the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking unstoppable. They pulled off an incredible comeback win against the Boston Celtics.
**John Smith:** It was an unbelievable game. Donovan Mitchell was on fire, especially in the fourth quarter. He went a perfect 6-for-6 from the field, including four three-pointers. That’s clutch shooting under pressure. Darius Garland also delivered a solid all-around performance.
**Host:** This win puts the Cavaliers at the top of the Eastern Conference. Are they your favorites to come out of the East?
**John Smith:** It’s early in the season, but they are certainly making a strong case for themselves. With Mitchell and Garland leading the charge, and a solid supporting cast, they have all the ingredients for a deep playoff run.
**Host:** Well, we’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on them. Any other surprises or standout performances from the weekend?
**John Smith:** There were plenty of great games this weekend, but Luka and Mitchell were definitely the stars.
**Host:** John, always a pleasure having your insights. Thanks for joining us!
**John Smith:** Thanks for having me.
**(Outro Music)**