The Dallas Mavericks improved to an 8-7 record after securing their third straight win on Tuesday night, routing the New Orleans Pelicans 132-91.
Luka Doncic (knee) returned from a one-game absence and dropped a game-high 26 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block on 10-for-16 shooting from the field in 30 minutes of action, impressing his teammates such as Naji Marshall.
After the game, Marshall was asked about Doncic’s performance, particularly on the defensive end, and the newest member of the Dallas Mavericks offered a candid response.
“First Team All-Defense, that’s it. He plays hard, man. He knows the game—he’s a master of it,” Marshall stated via Sportskeeda’s Grant Afseth. “He knows what he’s doing out there, and he definitely can defend. People underrate that, but he’s definitely a good defender, for sure.”
Luka Doncic recently cost the Dallas Mavericks with his defensive gaffe against the Utah Jazz. But after resting against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the five-time NBA All-Star looked more spry against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Luka Doncic reacts to the latest Dallas Mavericks victory
The Dallas Mavericks blew out the New Orleans Pelicans through their balanced effort, drawing praise from Luka Doncic. According to the Slovenian point guard, Dallas cannot afford more slow starts in their upcoming matches.
“Just playing with pace and energy,” Doncic said in the postgame press conference. “We’ve kind of been known for slow starts this season, so we’re trying to improve that. Coming out with good defense and pace on offense was key.”
Dallas will go on a three-game road trip against Denver, Miami, and Atlanta before hosting New York to wrap up the month of November.
