Luka Dončić’s Absence Worries NBA Fans as Mavs Lose to Rockets, Drop 3rd Straight
Taylyn HadleyJanuary 2, 2025
Kevin M.Cox/NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks desperately need Luka Dončić back in their lineup.
The Mavericks, who entered the evening fourth in the Western Conference, suffered a lopsided 110-99 loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday at the Toyota Center in Houston.
Dallas dropped to 20-14, enduring its third consecutive loss, while the Rockets improved to 22-11, steering clear of a potential three-game skid.
The Mavericks have struggled without Luka Dončić, going 1-3 since the star guard suffered a left calf strain during their 105-99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec. 25.
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBALuka Doncic went back to the locker room after an apparent injury on this play. pic.twitter.com/R8xlcLdeHQ
Fans voiced their concerns about the Mavericks’ performance as they anxiously await Luka Dončić’s return:
HEADBAND LUKA @HeadbandlukaaMavs fans should brace themselves for an ugly January. We might go on a long losing streak.
Jason Gallagher @jga41agherI think the Dallas Mavericks are better with Luka Doncic
Jeffrey🇵🇷/Braves/Dolphins/Mavs @KatysMyHabibiI miss Luka Doncic
CurseMuse @CurseMuseBut people told me this team was better without Luka Doncic 🤔
MFFL NATION @NationMfflI came into this season so excited to watch Dallas Mavericks regular season basketball, but the basketball god’s just don’t like us whatsoever.
All of these injuries are so annoying.
StepSnort @StepSnort”The Mavs are better without Luka Doncic” people, where tf are you now?
Will🍻 @tottswillWhy would you care about beating a team with no Luka Doncic on it? And again early season Mavs were terrible you can count that game but it wouldn’t be anything like that if Luka was playing, this game should be a 25 point blowout rn
Sedi🇨🇩🇸🇸 @ilysediLuka Doncic-less Mavericks is like Rodri-less Man City
Klay Thompson finished the night with 16 points, five rebounds and one steal while shooting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc in the loss. Kyrie Irving added 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals.
On the other side, Dillon Brooks, posted 19 points and six rebounds while Jalen Green added 22 points, five rebounds and one steal in the victory.
Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavsKlay doin’ Klay tings 🪣
VOTE: https://t.co/aBJP3WrL1h pic.twitter.com/dljkUm2XUl
Thompson began his scoring spree with a 24-foot three-pointer assisted by P.J. Washington, quickly followed by a 25-foot three-pointer, giving him an early six points in the first quarter.
Brooks had a quiet first half, shooting 3-of-6 from the field, as Houston took a 61-52 lead into halftime.
Houston Rockets @HoustonRocketsthe bump & the bucket 🪣 pic.twitter.com/uow2GFGSnJ
Despite Dallas narrowing the deficit in the third quarter with 23 points to bring the score to 89-75, it was not enough to make a major dent in Houston’s commanding lead.
The Mavericks will look to bounce back when they take on the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers (29-4) on Friday.
