An injury to a superstar, ice in the veins, and a season sweep highlight today's edition of The Morning Dunk as we recap the best from Wednesday's slate of NBA games.
Doncic Hurt, Triple-Double Streak Concludes In Mavericks Win
The latest victory for the Dallas Mavericks came at a price, but hopefully not an extravagant one.
Luka Doncic exited Wednesday's action with 6:46 remaining due to a tight left hamstring, finishing with 21 points, three rebounds, and nine assists in a 109-99 victory over the visiting Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Arena.
It was the first time since Feb. 27 that Doncic failed to register a triple-double, ending his streak at seven games. Teammate Daniel Gafford also extended his streak of consecutive shots made to 33, which is two shy of Wilt Chamberlain's NBA record set in 1967.
Luka Doncic dropped a DIME between Klay Thompson’s legs 😱pic.twitter.com/P6qYlnGa0d
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 14, 2024
Doncic failed to gain any movement in the Most Valuable Race with his latest performance. He currently has +850 odds with 16 games remaining for the 38-28 SU Mavericks.
DeRozan Forces OT, Torches Pacers
The now heavy favorite for Clutch Player of the Year honors in 2023-24 validated his value in that department once again.
DeMar DeRozan scored a season-high 46 points, two of which forced overtime with 0.3 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter while another three put his side ahead for good in the extra period as the Chicago Bulls emerged with a 132-129 win over the Indiana Pacers.
DeMar DeRozan put on a CLINIC in Indy.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 14, 2024
46 pts | 15-24 FG | 9 reb | 3 ast | 2 stl pic.twitter.com/fHA40thJ6g
DeRozan has -195 odds for the hardware, with the now-injured Stephen Curry at +195 being the only other player with better than a 10-to-1 shot.
Kings Sweep Season Series Vs. Lakers
The Sacramento Kings own the Los Angeles Lakers as of late, plain and simple.
Sacramento completed a season sweep of Los Angeles in a 120-107 victory, led by yet another triple-double from Domantas Sabonis of 17 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists.
The Lakers have beaten the Kings just once since Jan. 2002.
All-Star forward Anthony Davis is now 0-10 in his career when facing off with Sabonis, as well.
AD is now 0-10 vs Sabonispic.twitter.com/SEFt5kbdqO https://t.co/rMtLNXV3ZY
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 14, 2024
Sacramento entered as the 2.5-point underdog playing on the second night of a back-to-back slate.
