The Dallas Mavericks have now won eight of their last nine games, picking up a 137-131 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. Luka Doncic returned to play while Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, Dereck Lively II, and Dante Exum. With that many players missing, other players have to step up.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons, right, dives for the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Howard Lao) AP AP

Luka Doncic Scores 36 Points in Return, Mavericks Down Trail Blazers 137-131. 1. Luka is Luka. It may be a good thing in the