Luka Doncic scores career-high 32 points as Dallas Mavericks lose to Los Angeles Clippers
Friday 21 December 2018 13:05, UK
Dallas rookie Luka Doncic scored a career-high 32 points as the Mavericks fell to a 125-121 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Doncic piled up his points on 10-of-20 shooting (3-of-6 on three-pointers) in 31 minutes but, despite a fourth-quarter rally that saw the Mavs lead by four with five minutes remaining, the Clippers overturned their advantage and held out for the win.
Doncic opened his account in the first minute of the game, reacting quickest to his own missed shot to tap the ball home for two. He followed that up with a step-back move that left Clippers rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander utterly befuddled before draining a three-pointer.
In the second half, Doncic showed his determination, refusing to give up on a broken play to improvise a give-and-go with DeAndre Jordan that resulted in an 'And 1' baseline dunk.
That doggedness was on view again in the game's final minute. With the Mavs trailing 119-113, Doncic produced a coast-to-coast drive resulting in a lay-up and another long-distance step-back three to reduce the Clippers' advantage to 123-121.
They would get no closer and Clippers forward Tobias Harris sealed victory from the free-throw line in the final seconds.
Click the video at the top of the page to watch Doncic's 32-point performance
Sky Sports is the home of the NBA in the UK with live coverage throughout the week, including selected live games free to all Sky subscribers via Sky Sports Mix. www.skysports.com/nba will be your home for news, reports, video and features throughout the season while you can follow us @SkySportsNBA
