Luka Doncic returns to Mavericks' lineup after injury

In the United States, specifically in Dallas, the Dallas Mavericks achieved their first victory following the injury of their star player Luka Doncic. The game took place against the Phoenix Suns on a Friday night, where the Mavericks secured a 98-89 win. Despite going into the game without Doncic, who is expected to miss about a month due to a calf injury sustained in a previous game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Mavericks displayed a strong performance led by Kyrie Irving. Irving managed to score 20 points, although his shooting efficiency was low, hitting only 6 of 21 attempts from the field. Nonetheless, his contributions included a notable success from beyond the arc, where he made 5 of his 10 three-point attempts. Daniel Gafford also stepped up to support the team by scoring 16 points. The Mavericks enjoyed a balanced scoring effort throughout the game, with Spencer Dinwiddie and Maxi Kleber each contributing 15 points, and Klay Thompson adding 11 points to the total. This teamwork allowed the Mavericks to take a commanding lead early in the match, never trailing and building a cushion that reached as high as 18 points at one stage. The victory was crucial for the Mavericks, showing their capability to win games even in the absence of their primary star. Opposing them were the Phoenix Suns, who have struggled recently, losing four out of five games leading up to this match. Kevin Durant was the standout player for the Suns, tallying 35 points, but the overall team performance was lacking, particularly in the first half where they shot only 33.3% from the field. A key moment arose in the fourth quarter when the Suns cut the deficit to 81-75, but a timely three-pointer from Quentin Grimes of the Mavericks helped restore a more comfortable lead. This win was indicative of the Mavericks' resilience, as they managed to pull through despite being undermanned and dealing with key player injuries. The Mavericks remain competitive in the NBA standings as they prepare for their next game against the Portland Trail Blazers, while the Suns will face the Golden State Warriors thereafter. Dallas's ability to navigate this rough patch without Doncic demonstrates their depth and capability to adapt, which will be vital for their season moving forward.