'Nothing special' - Doncic plays down Mavericks return

Luka Doncic played off his 27-point scoring return to the Dallas Mavericks side as "nothing special" after helping them to a win.

The Mavs got their second win on the bounce with a 132-108 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, as Doncic also got seven rebounds and seven assists on his return from a heel injury.

He was one of five Dallas players to score double points, with P.J. Washington, Klay Thomson, Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford also putting in impressive displays.

While he was the highest scorer, Doncic also missed his first shot and ended up just 1-for-7 on 3-pointers.

Asked to describe his performance, the All-Star guard said it was "OK".

"Nothing really special," he added.

TALK TO 'EM NICE, LD pic.twitter.com/dYaJbENOk5

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 24, 2024

"The important thing was we got the win. I think everybody was involved, and that's how we've got to play."

Doncic managed 30 minutes on his return, having previously missed their two games against the Los Angeles Clippers.

He scored 10 points in the second quarter, a valuable input according to Irvine.

"He fit right back in," said Irving. "We had a lot of great possessions, and that quarter was really key for us to extend that lead. I think he really did a great job of getting us going."