Chicago (USA), March 30 (EFE).- The Slovenian Luka Doncić sealed 35 points, thirteen assists and nine rebounds this Wednesday and led the 120-112 victory of the Dallas Mavericks about some Cleveland Cavaliers in deep trouble, who with their fourth defeat in the last five games, see the places of direct classification to the ‘playoff’ move away.
Doncic scored 20 of his 35 points in the third quarter, in which the Cavs barely accumulated 22, being decisive in prolonging the growth of the Mavericks after Tuesday’s resounding victory against Los Angeles Lakersin which he signed his tenth triple double of the year.
The Mavericks chained their fifth victory in the last six games and shielded their fourth position in the Western Conference, just one win from the Warriorswhile the Cavs were seventh (42-34), currently in “play-in” positions.
In the Mavericks, Doncic offered a basketball recital, combining his tremendous scoring record with great assists behind his back.
He was supported by the 28 points, with six triples of Dorian Finney Smithwho sealed the best night of his NBA career.
On the Cavs, who will play their next three games against Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, Caris LeVert contributed 32 points, six rebounds and four assists, while darius garland he scored 25, with ten assists and five rebounds.
However, Garland ended the game with his hands in his head, aware that this loss significantly complicates the Cavs’ ambitions to get directly into the playoffs.
In addition, his rival in the first round of the “play-in” would currently be the Brooklyn Netsthe main threat not only for them but for the other great contenders in the East.
Of course, despite the emergencies, Cleveland competed aggressively and the match was extremely close, without either team being able to take important advantages.
DONCIC, INTRATABLE
Doncic, who sealed his tenth triple-double of the season in the resounding victory against the Lakers, already had a double-double at halftime in Cleveland, with twelve points and eleven assists.
But in the Cavs Caris LeVert led his team with 21 points in the first half, the result of an eight of twelve in field goals and a two of two in triples.
His performance gave the Cavaliers a six-point halftime lead (67-61), but it wasn’t enough to spoil Doncic’s big night.
The former Real Madrid player pitched a 12-2 run in the third period that allowed the Mavs to come back and take a 97-89 lead with two minutes to play. He capped that streak by offering Finney Smith a wonderful behind-the-back pass for the 3-pointer that he threw to the Texans.
Doncic had 20 points, three rebounds and two assists in a third quarter the Mavs won 38-22, giving them an 11-point lead entering the fourth period.
Doncic’s tremendous performance infected the Mavs, who even with their star resting on the bench at the beginning of the fourth period, continued to dominate the Cavs, also on an athletic level, fighting more for rebounds and moving the ball with speed.
The Cavs accumulated turnovers and offensive fouls, while Dallas played nonchalantly. It was evident with six minutes to go, when Finney Smith raised the light to 112-97 with a fantastic three-pointer at the 24-second buzzer that put even more ground in between.
The Mavericks were able to easily manage their advantage and take it to the end to take another step in their growth and in their ambition to be the protagonist in the already imminent “playoffs”, which will begin on April 16.
(c) EFE Agency