The Dallas Mavericks avenged their earlier loss to the Golden State Warriors in spectacular fashion, claiming a 143-133 victory at Chase Center on Sunday. The win served as the perfect response to the Warriors’ narrow 120-117 triumph last month. While Klay Thompson and Luka Doncic led the Mavericks to the win, it was Doncic’s brilliant defensive display that became the night’s most talked-about moment.
Luka Doncic showcased his defensive prowess in a play that left fans and analysts buzzing. The moment came when the Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski attempted a three-point shot under immense pressure from Doncic.
The Mavericks star exhibited relentless effort, jumping back and forth to block Podziemski’s view and prevent the shot. Despite Podziemski’s best efforts, Doncic’s defense proved impenetrable, forcing an airball and handing possession back to Dallas.
LUKA AND KLAY TURNING UP ON THE WARRIORS 🔥
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 16, 2024
Luka's block ➡️ Klay 3 ball pic.twitter.com/ZelmipR4ky
Klay Thompson then made a quick entry on the next possession, nailing a perfect three-pointer that extended the Mavericks’ lead. Fans on social media were quick to react, with many praising Doncic’s defensive effort as both heroic and entertaining.
The video of the play quickly went viral, with viewers marveling at the combination of skill and humor in Doncic’s approach. For many, the play symbolized a flash of Doncic’s growing influence on both ends of the court.
What was that? 🤣
— Mars 💫 (@MarsMetaX) December 16, 2024
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Unstoppable D 🙌🏽
— Regemon (@Regemon) December 16, 2024
Luka playing phenomenal defense there wow.
— Jahmeir D. ✭ (@JDCowboys2) December 16, 2024
Luka's block to Klay's three, that's NBA poetry in motion. 🏀🔥
— Scrolling Hall of Fame (@ScrollingHOF) December 16, 2024
What a scary duo
— Buddy Boy Bets (@Buddyboybets) December 16, 2024
The new splash brothers!
Luka Doncic Reflects On Record-Breaking Night In Mavericks’ Win Over Warriors
Sunday night’s game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors was one for the history books. The two teams combined for an NBA single-game record of 48 made three-pointers. After the Mavericks’ 143-133 victory, Luka Doncic reflected on the game’s historic milestone.
“No team could miss. They had 18 threes at halftime, and we were still up, which is insane. Felt like nobody could miss. It was a fun game. Lot of makes. But it was a physical game too,” Doncic said.
Doncic’s own performance was legendary. In the first half alone, Doncic put up 28 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, making NBA history as the only player to achieve such numbers in a first half. By the end of the game, Doncic completed a stellar triple-double, recording 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds.
