DALLAS — In a recent NBA Cup matchup, Luka Doncic made a significant comeback, scoring a game-high 26 points as the Dallas Mavericks triumphed over the shorthanded New Orleans Pelicans with a score of 132-91. Klay Thompson contributed 19 points, while Kyrie Irving added 18 to secure the Mavericks’ third consecutive victory of the season.
Doncic, who missed the previous game due to a knee injury, showcased his scoring prowess by shooting 10 of 16 from the field and 3 for 8 from beyond the arc. His two-step back 3-pointers in the fourth quarter extended Dallas’ advantage to 111-75.
Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with a season-high 19 points, although the team was without five key players, including two-time All-Star Zion Williamson, who has now missed six games and is currently out indefinitely due to injury.
This win marks the Mavericks’ highest point total of the season and their largest margin of victory. In contrast, the Pelicans have faced significant struggles, losing 11 out of their last 13 games.
Looking at individual performances, rookie Yves Missi stood out for the Pelicans, grabbing a game-high nine rebounds, all achieved in the first half. For the Mavericks, they took the opportunity to utilize a designated tournament court at home for the NBA Cup for the first time this season; last year’s court had not been used due to production issues.
A key moment in the game occurred when the Pelicans managed to reduce the Mavericks’ lead to 81-65 late in the third quarter. However, Kyrie Irving responded quickly, sinking a 25-foot shot followed by another impressive pull-up 3-pointer from 29 feet.
Statistically, the Mavericks dominated in the paint, outscoring the Pelicans 66-34, marking their largest margin in that category this season.
In terms of upcoming games, the Pelicans will face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday to complete a quick road back-to-back, while the Mavericks will embark on a three-game road trip starting Friday against the Denver Nuggets, where they previously lost a close game 122-120 on November 10.