Kyrie Irving stepped up with 24 points without fellow All-Star Luka Doncic, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a dominant 139-103 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers during Friday’s NBA action.
This win completed a two-game home sweep for Dallas, with the Mavericks showcasing their strength despite missing six players, including Doncic, due to a sore ankle.
Doncic, a key player in the Mavericks’ recent successes, was sidelined after being reported with right ankle swelling. The team also missed the services of rookie Dereck Lively II and forward Grant Williams, both out with ankle sprains from the previous game against Portland.
The Trail Blazers, struggling with their form, witnessed Jerami Grant scoring 18 points and Scoot Henderson adding 17 points and 10 assists. However, their efforts fell short against a cohesive Mavericks team. Portland’s losing streak extended to three games, worsening their record since early December.
Irving, matching his season-best in rebounds, and Doncic had previously combined for 70 points in the first matchup against Portland. Irving, who had been out with a bruised heel, sat out the fourth quarter again, with Dallas comfortably ahead by 33 points after a stellar third quarter.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd praised the team’s “next-man-up” mentality and highlighted Irving’s significant contribution to the game’s positive start. The Mavericks saw a balanced team effort, with Jalen Hardy and Tim Hardaway Jr. each scoring 19 points alongside other key contributors.
“A lot of bodies out, next-man mentality,” Kidd said. “Ky got us off to a really good start there. I thought Ky picked up right where he left off. Everyone who participated played at a high level.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Despite a brief challenge in the second quarter, the Mavericks surged post-halftime, quickly extending their lead. Portland struggled with turnovers throughout the series, leading to 47 points for Dallas. Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups expressed disappointment with the team’s effort, particularly noting a poor start from the starters.
“Just disappointing all the way around,” Billups said. “Rarely this year have I sat up here disappointed in our effort. Our effort was poor. It was lousy all game. The starters got us off to a bad start with that. It was just tough.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The Trail Blazers look to rebound in their upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets. At the same time, Dallas continues their longest homestand of the season with a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves..
