The Dallas Mavericks took on the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on Sunday night. The Mavericks entered the road game with a 12-8 record and sought a three-game winning streak, while the Trail Blazers had an 8-12 record and looked to win two games in a row. The Mavericks went 4-1 in the five games Luka Doncic missed due to a right wrist sprain, and congratulations were to Spencer Dinwiddie, who proved he could play a big role.
The Mavericks defeated the Trail Blazers 137-131. Dallas improved to 13-8, while Portland fell to 8-13. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 36 points, seven rebounds, and 13 assists. Quentin Grimes followed up with 28 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Dinwiddie added 20 points, one rebound, and five assists. Daniel Gafford had 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists. P.J. Washington Jr. scored 14 points, three rebounds, and six assists.
Dallas Mavericks-Portland Trail Blazers Recap
The Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers game was chock-full of injuries. The Mavericks ruled out Klay Thompson for plantar fascia, Naji Marshall for illness, and Dereck Lively II for knee hyperextension, and listed Kyrie Irving as questionable for shoulder soreness. The Trail Blazers ruled out Donovan Klingan for knee, Matisse Thybulle for ankle, and Robert Williams III with a concussion. Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray, and Jeremi Grant were listed as questionable for quadriceps, chest, and knee injuries.
Doncic made his much-anticipated return to the game. The Mavericks’ starting lineup consisted of Doncic, Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, P.J. Washington Jr., and Daniel Gafford. Hardy entered the team’s starting lineup on the wing alongside Grimes. Hardy has averaged 8.0 points, 1.4 assists, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 17.2 minutes per game.
How Did the Game Unfold?
The first quarter favored the Trail Blazers, but the Mavericks made some magic on the court. Doncic’s jump shot showed he deserves the nickname “Luka Magic.” The Mavericks trailed 29-25 at the end of the first. The second quarter favored the Mavericks, thanks to the Mavericks’ ball movement and teamwork. The Mavericks settled for a 61-58 lead over the Trail Blazers at halftime.
The third quarter was a high-scoring affair between the Mavericks and Trail Blazers. Daniel Gafford’s half-court shot was a highlight reel moment, and the Mavericks led 100-97 after three quarters. The fourth quarter’s power lit up between the two teams. Dinwiddie’s big plays, including a flurry of three-pointers and a lob to Dwight Powell, turned in a huge showing off the bench. Deni Avdija took Dinwiddie to the rim, scored, and even gave the “too small” gesture. The Trail Blazers tied the game at 127 apiece with under two minutes left, but the Mavericks fended off the Trail Blazers’ attack to win 137-131 in regulation.
Mavericks-Trail Blazers Highlights
The Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers’ game featured several highlights, such as FanSided’s recent article about the Mavericks’ potential trade with the Atlanta Hawks for Bogdan Bogdanovic. If this trade happens, Dallas will send Quentin Grimes, Daniel Gafford, and a 2025 first-round pick to Atlanta. FanSided’s article said parting ways with Gafford could take the training wheels off of Dereck Lively II.
Quentin Grimes has emerged as a valuable role player for Dallas. Grimes has been on a roll amid Doncic and Thompson’s injury absences. He stepped into a starting role and contributed to the Mavericks’ much-needed wins after an underwhelming start to the 2024-25 NBA season. He scored a season-high 24 points against the Utah Jazz for his second straight game with 20+ points.
Sports Illustrated’s recent article about the Trail Blazers’ potential blockbuster trade with the Denver Nuggets to land Michael Porter Jr. is hanging over the team. Denver will receive Anfernee Simons, Matisse Thybulle, Tounami Camara, and a 2028 first-round pick. If this trade happens, Portland will jump-start its rebuild, get good value for Simons, and maintain flexibility.
Final Thoughts
The Dallas Mavericks brought the end of November to a close Saturday night against the Utah Jazz. Kyrie Irving finished a big stretch, as Doncic neared returning to the court. Irving has played in 18 of the team’s last 19 games as of November 29. Also, Irving’s ability to pick up his spots to score, while reportedly encouraging his teammates to play because he can’t do everything by himself, has made him a veteran leader on and off the court.
The Mavericks took care of business down the stretch to win 106-94 over the Jazz at the Delta Center on Saturday night. Irving helped the Mavericks’ cause by making play after play in clutch time. The team’s 20-point lead was cut to five with seven minutes left, but Irving’s seven points and two assists on buckets in a 17-8 run. Irving’s accuracy worked wonders, as he had 6-of-13 three-pointers, tying a season-best for makes from distance.
The Mavericks will return to Dallas, Texas, to host the Memphis Grizzlies in a home game at the American Airlines Center on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Central. The Mavericks and Grizzlies will resume play in the NBA Cup’s Group Stage. The Grizzlies most recently hosted the Indiana Pacers in the FedExForum on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Central before traveling to Dallas.
