Luka Doncic’s First-Half Resurgence Powers Mavs in 108-85 Win Over Magic
The Dallas Mavericks captured a commanding 108-85 win over the Orlando Magic, bringing their record to 4-2 as they build momentum in the early season. In a game where Dallas controlled from the opening minutes, Luka Doncic’s strong first-half performance set the tone and allowed head coach Jason Kidd to rest his starters with seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
After starting the season with several slow first quarters, Doncic turned things around with an explosive first half against Orlando. He led the team with 32 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, minimizing turnovers and driving the Mavericks' early success. Kyrie Irving added 17 points and two steals, while Daniel Gafford contributed a powerful 18 points and eight rebounds in the paint. Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington rounded out the starting lineup, adding defensive contributions alongside 16 combined points.
Doncic scored 25 points on 9-for-15 shooting in the first half, including five three-pointers, along with five rebounds and four assists before halftime. This marked his 30th career 25-point first half, tying James Harden for the most such halves since Doncic entered the league in 2018-19. The standout performance represented a resurgence for Doncic, whose early-season games had been marked by slower starts, underscoring his ability to lift the Mavs with explosive scoring.
The Mavericks' bench also played a pivotal role, led by rookie Derrick Lively II. The second unit contributed 25 points, 25 rebounds, and nine assists, with Lively recording a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his energy and impact off the bench. As a team, Dallas shot 49.4 percent from the field, and their defensive discipline limited Orlando’s trips to the free-throw line, a clear improvement in focus and execution.
Next up, the Mavericks face the 2-4 Indiana Pacers and former coach Rick Carlisle on Nov. 4 at American Airlines Center. The Pacers enter the matchup following a 128-118 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans after a dramatic overtime win against the defending champion Boston Celtics.
For Dallas, bench production and continued defensive progress will be key as they look to build on the momentum from their latest victory and capitalize on Doncic’s early-game resurgence.
