----- Luca Doncic scores 21 points and pulls down nine rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks hand the Blazers their third-straight loss with a 111-102 win Tuesday night at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
The Trailblazers woes continued on Tuesday night in Dallas. Mavericks rookie Luca Doncic scored 21 points and pulled down nine rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks handed Portland their third-straight loss with a 111-102 win.
The Blazers struggled early with just 20 points in the first quarter as the Mavericks built a 34-20. Portland never recovered from the slow start as Dallas controlled the game from start to finish.
"This game was very similar to the last few we've played," coach Terry Stotts said. "Get off to a slow start, get down at halftime, make a good comeback and fall short. And I think we're all getting tired of it."
Portland arrived in Dallas with concerns about their defense, but it was the offense that failed them against the Mavericks. The Blazers shot just 45.2% from the field including just 7-for-24 from three-point range. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined to make just 4-of-15 from three-point range. Lillard scored a game-high 33 points and McCollum added 18.
Credit Dallas for Portland's struggles on offense. They used a number of traps that frustrated the Blazers offense. Portland committed 19 turnovers on the night leading to 22 points for the Mavericks.
Portland (13-11) has now dropped eight of their last 11 games including three-straight
All five Mavericks starters scored in double-figures and they got 38 points from their bench. Wesley Matthews scored 17 points and J.J. Barea added nine points and three assists.
Dallas (12-10) has now won nine of their last 11 games.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers will return home to host the Phoenix Suns Thursday night at Moda Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM.
Chad's Take- Could of used a carton of eggnog in the 2nd half.