Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic was having a strong showing against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Until he hurt his neck in the waning moments of the third quarter. They ended up losing a close one at home, 109-101.
Doncic finished with 28 points but was looked uncomfortable in the fourth quarter, taking only three attempts and scoring only four points. The do-it-all guard also committed eight turnovers. After the game, he sounded frustrated but also tipped his hat to the Suns who snapped the Mavericks' four-game winning streak (via ESPN).
“My neck's not an excuse. But man, they're the best record in the league. We were right there.”
Despite the defeat, the Mavericks remain one of the hottest teams in the NBA recently. With Doncic once again putting up stellar numbers, they are 10-2 in their last 12 games and are now fifth in the Western Conference at 26-20.
It's quite impressive that the Mavericks have stayed afloat despite a revolving door of sidelined players, including key guys in Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Tim Hardaway Jr. Even Suns coach Monty Williams, always the classy guy, knows they snagged a huge one over the Mavericks.
“That's a team that's been running through the league here of late. To beat them on their home floor like that is huge.”
Doncic has had his fair share of tantrums and flare-ups during tough moments, but it seems he's really learned to become more mature this season and accept accountability. It's not a coincidence that the Mavericks are having a strong campaign.