Luka Doncic and Naji Marshall – Source: Imagn

After missing six consecutive games, NBA superstar Luka Doncic returned for the Dallas Mavericks’ matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. Doncic and the Mavericks extended their win streak to four games after a 137-131 win over the Trail Blazers, improving their record to 13-8 for the season.

Forward Naji Marshall, who is having a breakout season, posted a three-word reaction to Doncic’s return after the 5-time All-star led the Mavericks to their fourth consecutive win.

“LUKA FIRST TEAMMMMMM,” Marshall posted on X, following Dallas’s win against Portland.

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The Mavericks signed Naji Marshall to a three-year, $27 million deal during free agency. In 20 games, Marshall is averaging 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. The small forward is averaging career-highs in minutes, points, steals and field-goal percentage.

Marshall did not play on Sunday night after being ruled out with an illness. The 6’6″ forward is the latest player in Dallas’ locker room to come down with the illness.

Despite the absence of stars like Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving, the team’s depth and the return of Doncic helped the Mavs extend their win streak.

Luka Doncic dominates Trail Blazers

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles the ball past Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) on Sunday Night – Source: Imagn

Luka Doncic returned on Sunday night and didn’t miss a beat eventhough he had missed the last six games. The five-time All-Star was out with a sprain to his right wrist.

On Sunday night, Doncic notched game-highs in points and assists, posting 36 points on 15-of-24 shooting, 13 assists, seven rebounds and three steals. Doncic also connected on four of his ten 3-point attempts.

Quentin Grimes and Spencer Dinwiddie stepped up for the Mavericks in Sunday night’s win and supported Doncic. Grimes scored 28 points on 9-of-13 shooting, connecting on five of his seven 3-pointers. He also grabbed five steals in the win. Dinwiddie added 20 points on 5-of-9 shooting and dished out five assists.

Doncic returned when the Mavericks needed a boost after they lost a key piece in Naji Marshall. With the spate of injuries and illness-related concerns, Dallas’s depth helped them stay afloat in Doncic’s absence. The Mavericks will now look to build on their four-game winning streak as they return to Dallas for a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.

In 14 games this season, Doncic is shooting 43.5% from the field and 32.4% from 3-point range while averaging 28.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg and 7.6 apg.