In a commanding performance, the Dallas Mavericks secured a 125-112 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, aiming for back-to-back wins after a decisive 50-point triumph against the Utah Jazz, highlighted by Luka Doncic’s 40-point triple-double.

 

The Blazers faced challenges with several key players sidelined, including Jerami Grant (concussion protocol), Deandre Ayton (knee soreness), Malcolm Brogdon (knee soreness), and Robert Williams III (ACL tear).

 

With Grant Williams (knee soreness) and Josh Green (elbow sprain) out, the Mavs deployed Dante Exum for the second consecutive game. Portland initiated an aggressive ball screen coverage against Doncic, employing full-court pressure and double-teaming strategies to force him to relinquish the ball.

 

Despite early struggles and three turnovers by Doncic in the first quarter, the Mavericks adjusted their offensive approach to counter the Blazers’ physical defense. Employing various strategies such as rejecting ball screens, utilizing post-ups, small-small screens, double-drag actions, and spacing optimization, the Mavs gradually found their rhythm in the game.