Luka Doncic sends 41 points in loss to Wizards

Luka Doncic was solid tonight. In the oven and in the mill to keep his people alive, the Mavericks point guard unfortunately fouled Kyle Kuzma late in the game, which gave the Wizards the victory throws. Lulu’s performance is fantastic, but marred by a poorly managed finale.

He will have been everywhere tonight. From the beginning to the end. To start, Luka Doncic signed a fiery start: 15 points in the first quarter, still in his characteristic style. What it means ? A false rhythm, small jerks here and there to shift the defender and force him to make a mistake. Everyone knows he does this, but no one is able to stop him, it would make him unbearable to you… as well as endearing.

Next to him, the Mavericks are in more trouble. The gap with the Wizards does not widen, worse: the Mavericks will be led most of the game. Never very far, but one of Jason Kidd’s guys has to take responsibility for taking over command of operations.

We give it to you in a thousand: it is this good Lulu who will allow his people to finally take the lead, following 46 minutes of a big mano to mano. Penetration, foul and basket scored: The Mavericks go to +1 (120-119) but Bradley Beal warms up and replaces the Wizards with a big long-range arrow. The end of the game that will follow will be an overall failure for the Mavericks.

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— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 25, 2023

A big award-winning basket first, but then a missed throw for Dallas’ favorite Slovenian. Luka then fouls Kyle Kuzma, which is slight but confirmed following a challenge. The Wizards winger allows DC to take a decisive point lead. Kidd’s systems will end in a loss of ball, defeat 127-126. Despite a big 3-pointer from Spencer Dinwiddie in the money time, the feeling that everything must go through Luka is quite present and allows Washington to focus its defensive efforts on him, once more decisive.

If Luka sent 41 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists at 55.1% shooting, he probably would have preferred to bring less and win the game. The blond head nevertheless signs his tenth evening with more than 40 points this season, leader in the NBA ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.

Source : ESPN