Mavs Need Best Version of Luka Doncic as Both Player & Leader to Reach Goals

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In a crucial run of games leading into the postseason, the Dallas Mavericks need Luka Doncic to be his best as a player and leader.  

The fourth quarter was back and forth, but in the end, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat in a tough, important game on Thursday night, breaking a three-game losing streak.  

With 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in the win, Luka Doncic continued to play like an MVP. He made 12 of 24 shots from the field and 7 of 13 from three-point range.   

He now has five straight 30-point games, tied with Russell Westbrook for the most in NBA history. He also had his fourth straight 35-point triple-double, which is the league record for the longest run.  

"There was a greater concentration of energy and communication among us. According to Doncic, "I believe that those two things were the most important reasons that we won."  

When it comes to Miami's physicality, I believe we did a terrific job. I believe that we also demonstrated our physique. I believe that it was a win-win situation because the referees allowed us to play as well.  

After Dante Exum made a tremendous 3-pointer off a Doncic pass to give the Mavs a 103-101 lead with 3:15 left, Doncic made a wild step-back 3 from the right corner to make it 106-101 with 2:27 left.  

Doncic remarked, "Those are shots that I want to see." "These are shots that I practise, therefore as soon as I let go of the gun, I knew it was going to hit the target."  

Doncic remarked, "Those are shots that I want to see." "These are shots that I practise, therefore as soon as I let go of the gun, I knew it was going to hit the target."  

It looks like the Mavs are a much better defensive team than they were in the six games before Thursday's win over Miami when Doncic is not busy talking to the refs.   

After allowing Miami to score 36 points in the first quarter, Dallas was able to keep Miami to not more than 25 points in each of the last three quarters, which contributed to the victory.  

When asked what his team should do to keep the momentum going, Doncic said, "Just watch this game and keep playing the way we did for the last three quarters."  

The Mavs will play the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls on a limited two-game road trip to get back on track and win. Both teams have below-.500 records, but Dallas can't ignore anyone. As the playoffs approach, Doncic must lead his team with energy.  

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