Mavericks On January 17th, the Dallas Mavericks faced the Los Angeles Lakers with Luka Doncic on the sidelines for the third consecutive game. Despite his absence, the Mavericks showcased resilience and adaptability, securing victories in two of the three games missed by Doncic due to a sprained right ankle. Their recent triumph was a thrilling 125-120 win against the New Orleans Pelicans at home on Monday.
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As the Mavericks prepare for their matchup against the Lakers, Doncic’s status for Wednesday’s game remains uncertain, as he has been upgraded to questionable. In Doncic’s absence, Kyrie Irving has been the driving force for the Mavericks, averaging an impressive 39.7 points over the three games.
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In Monday’s victory, Irving paired up with Tim Hardaway Jr., who contributed a remarkable 41 points. This dynamic duo marked the second instance in Mavericks history where two players scored at least 40 points in a single game, the first being in March of the previous season when Irving teamed up with Doncic.
Mavericks Despite having limited starts this season
Coach Jason Kidd praised the contributions of both Irving and Hardaway, emphasizing Irving’s steady performance and leadership. Despite having limited starts this season, Hardaway stepped up in the absence of Doncic, earning recognition from Kidd as a professional and reliable player.
Following a challenging December, the Lakers are regaining momentum, posting a 3-2 record since January 5th. Notable victories over Western Conference powerhouses, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, indicate a positive shift for the Lakers. In their recent 112-105 win against the Thunder, the Lakers reverted to their initial season’s starting lineup, featuring D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves in the backcourt.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with an impressive performance, contributing 27 points and 15 rebounds. Russell and Reaves played vital roles, with Russell tallying 14 points and six assists, while Reaves added 15 points and led the team with seven assists. The Lakers’ starting lineup proved effective, shooting 52.4 percent from the field and holding the Thunder to a mere 30.6 percent from 3-point range.
Mavericks Lakers aim to capitalize on their upcoming six-game home stretch
Lakers coach Darvin Ham expressed satisfaction with the newfound consistency in the starting lineup, highlighting the synergy between the five players. With this lineup seemingly settled, the Lakers aim to capitalize on their upcoming six-game home stretch, determined to secure victories before embarking on a challenging six-game road trip coinciding with the Grammy Awards.
D’Angelo Russell emphasized the significance of their recent victories, viewing them as crucial for building momentum heading into the demanding road trip. The Lakers aspire to maintain their rhythm and flow as they face upcoming challenges and navigate through the Grammy Awards-induced road trip.
In summary, the Mavericks have demonstrated resilience in the absence of Luka Doncic, relying on the scoring prowess of Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. Meanwhile, the Lakers are finding their footing again, settling on a consistent starting lineup and securing important victories. Both teams face unique challenges in the upcoming games, but they are determined to navigate through them with strategic planning and impactful performances.
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