Luka Doncic Stats Tonight: How did Mavericks superstar fare vs Rockets? (Oct. 31) | 2024-25 NBA season
Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks hosted the Houston Rockets on Thursday, seeking their fourth win in their first five games.
Despite entering the contest averaging 26.8 points per game, Doncic struggled with his offensive efficiency over his first four outings. He shot only 36.4% and 26.8% from 3-point range.
Doncic's offensive woes continued to begin Thursday's showdown. The five-time All-Star missed five of his first eight shots, including both of his 3-point attempts. Meanwhile, he recorded a plus-minus of minus-12 as Dallas fell behind 34-21 after the first quarter.
The superstar guard didn't fare better to begin the second period, missing his next three shots as Houston built a 20-point lead. Doncic also got into foul trouble late in the half, picking up his third foul.
However, he got going a little bit to end the half, converting a pair of free throws and a floater. That offensive spark allowed the Mavericks to cut their halftime deficit to 13 points (57-44).
Doncic made a limited third-quarter impact, draining a midrange jumper before picking up his fourth foul and checking out. Afterward, the Rockets extended their lead to as high as 23 points.
However, Doncic finished strong in the final period. Playing through foul trouble, he recorded 15 points and three triples, shooting 6-for-8 (75.0%). His late-game heroics nearly helped Dallas pull off an improbable comeback.
The Mavericks came within three points late in the contest but ultimately fell short, losing 108-102 to drop to 3-2.
Luka Doncic's full stat line from the near comeback is as follows:
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving receive little help as Mavericks fall to Rockets
Luka Doncic and his co-star Kyrie Irving combined for 57 points against Houston. However, they received little help from the rest of their squad.
Outside the duo, veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson was the only Maverick who scored in double figures, finishing with 12 points. Meanwhile, Doncic, Irving and Thompson were the only players who knocked down a single 3-pointer. The rest of Dallas' roster went 0-for-8 from deep as the team shot just 10-for-30 (33.3%), marking a forgettable evening.
The Mavericks (3-2) will look to deliver a stronger offensive performance on Sunday when they continue their homestand against the Orlando Magic (3-2).
Also Read: Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks player stats and box score for Oct. 31 | 2024-25 NBA season