Luka reveling in Mavs win
Despite missing game three against the Utah Jazz, Luka Doncic was like a kid at a candy store watching the Mavs’ second victory to bring the series to 1-2.
The Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz 126-118 in game three of round one of their NBA playoff series. There was much concern about Dallas’ big man Luka Doncic missing the first few games of the series, but the Mavs have now managed two wins, putting them ahead 2-1.
Doncic, who suffered a calf strain in the regular season finale, has not played in a playoff game yet, but is expected to be back for game four against the Jazz this Saturday. The game will be played in Salt Lake City at 4:30 p.m. ET. Despite not being able to play, Luka Doncic has clearly been enjoying watching his teammates succeed without him. Videos of him cheering on the sidelines have gone viral. I know you’re thinking, what’s so crazy about a player being happy for his team’s success? But just look at Luka...he’s so happy. It just makes you want to smile, too.
The Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson has taken over at the position with Doncic out, and he has thrived. In game two, Brunson was responsible for 41 points on 15-of-25 shooting in the Mavs’ victory, a career-high for the player. In game three, he managed 31 points on 12-of-22 shooting, making Brunson’s first time ever scoring 30+ points in consecutive games. The Mavs have been making threes like it’s their job (because, well, it kind of is) in this series. Over the last two games, they have made 40 three-pointers, including 18-of-42 shooting from long range in game three. Much of that success is thanks to Brunson’s ability to expose the Jazz’s poor defense and get the ball moving.