The Mavericks finally got their Slovenian superstar back in the lineup and the result was a spectacular 137-131 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. And that too, with Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson both sidelined! Excited to get back on the floor after a five-game hiatus, the 25-year-old’s joy was apparent in his words.

“Great! Very happy! A win!”

Yup! Those five words just about summarize tonight’s victory. Doncic’s return was further defined by his stellar stat line. Posting a 36-point, 13-assists double-double alongside seven rebounds and three steals, he connected 15-of-24 field goals, including four threes to help the Mavs land their fourth straight win.

However, post-game saw Luka Doncic provide a rather worrying update about his health. The 5x All-Star had missed the previous five games with a right wrist sprain. When a reporter asked how his wrist felt after the night, Doncic replied that his wrist felt “OK.”

And now comes the concerning part. “A little sore now. Obviously, it’s not 100%. I was just happy to be able to go today,” he confessed. The Mavericks may have secured an exhilarating win, but Luka’s admission leaves lingering questions about his durability and the team’s ability to maintain momentum as the season progresses.

As such, can the ‘Big D’ continue putting up dominant performances as they have in case Doncic has to stay off the floor for longer?

The Mavs’ resilience: How Dallas has held steady without Luka Doncic

Even without the 5x All-NBA First Teamer, the team has shown impressive resilience, maintaining competitiveness with a strong supporting cast. Irving naturally stepped up, taking on a bigger role and leading the offense. But players like Maxi Kleber, Jaden Hardy, and Dereck Lively II have been spectacular in keeping the team in title contention.

In fact, Luka Doncic himself has expressed pride in how his team has held the fort down in his absence. He highlighted their collective effort, especially with Dallas securing wins over tough opponents. “Obviously, I think their pace was great. They were playing amazing. So, (I was) just trying to adapt to that. They beat some tough teams, and I was just happy to sit back, watch and enjoy,” he noted in the post-game presser.

His words show how much trust he has in his teammates, even when he’s not on the court. The Mavericks’ ability to stay competitive without their MVP-caliber player is a testament to the depth of the squad, especially in the face of adversity. While the team’s success in Doncic’s absence is certainly encouraging, tonight’s matchup emphasizes how much they need their superstar back to reach championship aspirations.

The 2018 first-round pick’s stability will be key to unlocking their full potential, as the Mavs look to continue their strong play into the second half of the season.