Luka Doncic leads Mavs in record-breaking rout

Luka Doncic single-handedly outscored the Memphis Grizzlies in the first quarter en route to a game-high, 32-point performance that propelled the host Dallas Mavericks to a 137-96 thrashing Saturday night, October 22 (Sunday, October 23, Manila time).

Successfully rebounding from a 107-105 road loss to the Phoenix Suns on opening night, the Mavericks ran up the largest margin of victory in their 105-game all-time series with the Grizzlies. Dallas had recorded the previous biggest blowout, 120-83 in January 2001.

Doncic exploded out of the gates for 21 points in the first period, 4 more than the Grizzlies amassed in falling behind 39-17. The Dallas star hit 8 of his 10 shots overall and 3 of his 4 three-point attempts.

Entering the game 2-0 but playing the second night of a back-to-back that began with a hard-fought win at Houston, the Grizzlies never seriously challenged over the final 36 minutes as the Mavericks ran up a 42-point lead at one point.

Dallas shot 14-for-24 in the decisive first 12 minutes, compared to 7-for-23 for the visitors. The Mavericks outscored the Grizzlies 12-6 on three-pointers in the period, making 4-of-8 while Memphis started 2-for-11.

Doncic’s 32-point total came in just 30 minutes. It was the 10th time in his career that he topped 30 points in 30 or fewer minutes.

He also found time for a game-high 10 assists for his first double-double of the season. He added 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.

Christian Wood complemented Doncic with a double-double off the bench, scoring 25 points to go with a game-high 12 rebounds.

Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 16 points and Spencer Dinwiddie 15 for the Mavericks, who connected on half their shots overall and 43.6% (17-of-39) from beyond the arc.

Ja Morant paced Memphis with 20 points in 30 minutes. He hit 6 of his 12 shots.

Desmond Bane had 14 points and David Roddy 12 for the Grizzlies, while Tyus Jones went for 10 points off the bench to complement a team-high 5 assists.

Memphis finished at 43.0% shooting overall, got outscored 51-27 on three-pointers and was dominated on the boards to the tune of 52-29. – Rappler.com