Mavericks blow big lead: LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Dallas Mavericks rallied for a 109-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, with Luka Doncic scoring seven of his 25 points in the fourth quarter Jalen Brunson adding 22.
The Mavericks held on for their eighth win in ten games after blowing a big early lead against the slumping Lakers. Dorian Finney-Smith scored 16 points and nine rebounds.
With seven minutes left, Dallas was down 100-94 before scoring 11 straight baskets in a rally sparked by Brunson’s fourth 3-pointer.
“We informed them at halftime, ‘They’re coming.’ ‘LeBron is on his way,’ claimed Dallas coach Jason Kidd. “LeBron put on a display in the third quarter, but we didn’t lose our cool.” That’s one of the things we’ve improved at, and in the fourth quarter, we returned to our Golden State roots. We kept them to 17 points, which is a good result.”
During his monthlong scoring streak, Doncic went 9 of 21 and looked notably less sharp than in most of his previous games, but he scored enough key baskets to win it.
“We stuck together and simply went through the motions of the game,” Doncic added. “My mindset is to finish the game with the best shot I can.” “Down the stretch, we executed.”
The Lakers lost their sixth game in a row despite erasing a 21-point deficit in just over 12 thrilling minutes spanning halftime. LeBron James had 26 points, and Carmelo Anthony had 20 for the Lakers, who lost their sixth game in a row despite erasing a 21-point deficit in just over 12 thrilling minutes spanning halftime. In the final seven minutes, Los Angeles scored only four points.
“I’m not sure if you can defend Luka better than we did tonight,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. “Our boys put in a lot of effort. Our assistants were fierce competitors, but he had a period in the last minute where he scored a couple of buckets in a row. This isn’t good enough… It’s excruciating. In there, all of these guys are in pain. We’re putting in the time and effort.”
Despite putting forth a much greater effort against Dallas than in recent games, Los Angeles has lost 15 of its last 21 games, falling seven games below.500 for the season, and even its playoff play-in tournament position is becoming increasingly precarious. Since the All-Star break, the Lakers have gone 0-3.
“There are still games to be played,” James stated. “I have a chance till you stomp me out, cut off my head, and bury me 12 feet under.” So there’s my assurance. We need to come here and win games and improve our play, but as long as we have games to play, we have a chance.”
James and his colleagues had the crowd praising their effort and comeback two nights after the Lakers were booed by their home supporters in a lifeless blowout loss to New Orleans — but the result was the same.
Dallas won four of five games on the road, but only after surviving a fairly ineffective second half.
The Mavs moved out to a large lead during a first-half highlighted by Doncic’s explosive one-handed putback dunk over Dwight Howard late in the first quarter.
With a giggle, Doncic remarked, “I whacked my head (on the rim).” “We’re not going to discuss that.” Allow me to savor the moment.”
The Lakers collected three technical fouls for arguing during the first half, which was marred by missed shots and sloppy defense. Vogel, Kent Bazemore, and Russell Westbrook were all ejected after missing eight of their first nine shots.
But, after a 22-7 run after halftime, Los Angeles drew even with Dallas’ cold-shooting team on James’ 3-pointer.
TIP-INS
Dallas Mavericks avenged a home loss to the Lakers in December, when Doncic was out with an ankle ailment. Spencer Dinwiddie led the team in scoring with 14 points and nine assists.
The Lakers cut Sekou Doumbouya, a two-way forward, to make room on the roster. Avery Bradley has missed his fourth straight game with a right knee ailment.
Djs Who Are Switchin
The Lakers dismissed underperforming center DeAndre Jordan on Tuesday. They added veteran point guard D.J. Augustin and journeyman forward Wenyen Gabriel after effectively holding pat with an ugly hand at the trade deadline. The newcomers hadn’t arrived yet, but they should come later this week.
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In the latest challenging game for the 2017 NBA MVP, Westbrook finished 5 for 17 and missed all four of his 3-point tries, despite playing 38 minutes without committing a turnover.
“I have to improve overall,” Westbrook stated. “What I’m doing now isn’t going to cut it.”
Coming Up Nex
On Thursday, the Mavericks will host the Warriors.
On Thursday, the Lakers visit the Clippers.
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