NEW YORK — Luka Doncic delivered a stellar performance, scoring 39 points, dishing out 11 assists, and grabbing eight rebounds, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 122-108 victory against the New York Knicks on Thursday night. The Knicks, plagued by injuries and recent trades, were left with only seven available players in the second half, challenging their depth and resilience.
Tim Hardaway Jr., facing his former team, contributed 19 points, while Derrick Jones Jr. added 18, bolstering the Mavericks’ offense. Kyrie Irving, in a supportive role, finished with 16 points. The victory marked a successful end to the Mavericks’ 3-0 road trip, a streak that coincided with the team making significant trades to acquire big men P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford.
Doncic’s performance, particularly in the second half where he scored 27 points, was a spectacle of skill and leadership. Among his highlights was a remarkable behind-the-back pass to Dwight Powell, showcasing his vision and creativity on the court. The Mavericks’ new acquisitions, Washington and Gafford, are anticipated to integrate seamlessly, benefiting from Doncic’s ability to create opportunities for his teammates.
Donte DiVincenzo stepped up for the Knicks with a game-high 36 points, while Josh Hart recorded a season-high 23 points, along with 12 assists and 10 rebounds, achieving his second career triple-double. The Knicks, however, were severely handicapped without All-Star Jalen Brunson and other key players due to injuries and trades, including a significant deal earlier that day for Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks, which further depleted their lineup.
The Knicks’ situation was exacerbated by the absence of Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson, with Anunoby undergoing surgery to remove a loose bone fragment from his elbow, sidelining him for further evaluation. Isaiah Hartenstein’s second-half absence due to a sore Achilles tendon left the Knicks with even fewer options, challenging Coach Tom Thibodeau’s strategy and depth.
Despite the adversity, Thibodeau commended his team’s effort and resilience, especially from players who have seen limited action this season. The Knicks’ depleted roster saw contributions from Charlie Brown Jr. and rookie Jacob Toppin, highlighting the need for adaptability and the importance of every player on the roster.
The Mavericks look forward to integrating their new additions as they prepare to host Oklahoma City on Saturday, while the Knicks aim to rebound against Indiana on the same day, hoping for healthier days ahead post-All-Star break.
This matchup between the Mavericks and Knicks underscored the impact of trades, injuries, and individual brilliance in the NBA, with Doncic’s masterclass steering Dallas to victory amidst New York’s battle against adversity.
