Luka Dončić, Mavs Astound NBA Fans vs. Heat with 5th Straight Win Ahead of Playoffs
Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIApril 11, 2024
Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images
Luka Dončić strengthened his MVP case with a near-triple double and Kyrie Irving scored 25 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 111-92 road win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday.
Dončić poured in 29 points, nine assists and nine rebounds for the 50-30 Mavs, who won their fifth straight game. Dallas has also won 16 of its past 18 games.
The Mavericks opened up a 69-47 halftime lead and never looked back in this one. They excelled on both ends, taking care of the ball on offense (just seven turnovers) and amassing eight steals and eight blocks on defense.
All five Mavs starters ended up scoring in double digits as well, with Derrick Jones Jr., P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford each posting 12 points.
Dallas is now locked into the Western Conference’s 4-5 first-round playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, who currently hold the No. 4 seed and homecourt advantage there by virtue of its 51-28 record entering Wednesday.
However, the Mavericks are a very dangerous team entering the playoffs. Dončić is the main catalyst for this hot streak, and MVP chatter is only growing louder. But Irving has been exception, and this team is also playing lights-out defense as well.
Understandably, fans and analysts alike praised Dončić and the Mavs on Wednesday.
KlawWrld @kawhi_ringThe Mavs are legit the best team in the NBA
Kristy @MakeupNMavsA few months ago I was crying in my wine glass watching the Mavs play and now I’m looking forward to a deep playoff run. Sports are wonky 🤠
Jo @MavsStan41They said the Mavs wouldn’t make the playoffs lmfaoooooo
Jo @MavsStan41I knew you could build a top defense around Luka and Kyrie but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon. Nico and Kidd deserve some credit for that
A ✩ @adryanashtonthis Mavs team is so good man, they’re a clear example of how important making marginal moves at the trade deadline is. that first round series with the Clippers bout to be an all timer lol
Joel Moran @joelvmoranThe Mavericks are going to make so much noise in the playoffs.
(redacted) @squish41Dallas Mavericks:
DEFENSIVE JUGGERNAUTS pic.twitter.com/K3cTqyLPAM
Landon Thomas @sixfivelandoThe Dallas Mavericks….
• 50 wins
• Southwest Division title
• Top 5 seed in West
After all the injuries, what a season it has been for this team.
Austin @ChefTrillieMavericks got elite bucket getters. We have culture
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahonMavs are 16-2 over an 18-game span for the first time since their championship season in 2011, per @ESPNStatsInfo.
For all of the big numbers Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are putting up, the most impressive stat is that Dallas has the league’s No. 1 defense during this run.
Master @MasterTesThe argument against Luka Doncic for MVP is pretty much “I didn’t watch the Dallas Mavs this season.” I’d rather yall say that than the nonsense in my mentions.
Sir Yacht @SirYacht_If Luka Doncic doesn’t win MVP it is highway robbery
Myguyknowsaguy @myguyknowsaguyLuka Doncic is the true MVP of 2023-24 idc what anyone says
Harrison Graham @HGrahamNFLLuka Doncic should win MVP. It’s gonna be Nikola Jokic, but I think Luka’s earned it.
⋆ @FeelLikeAntJokic you had a good run, but Luka Doncic is my MVP
jack @TheCavsJackMavs are a 50+ win team and Top 5 in the West.
Luka is the MVP.
The Mavericks close the regular season with a home game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday before visiting the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. They’ll open the postseason on either Saturday, April 20 or Sunday, April 21 against the Clippers.
Ok