Doncic and Irving claim first win with Mavs

DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving earned their first victory together in Dallas. They did it no less than one night when the Mavericks posted their highest scoring and 3-point performance of the season.

Doncic had 28 points, Kyrie Irving added 23, and the Mavs routed the disastrous San Antonio Spurs 142-116.

With Doncic and Irving orchestrating the offense, Dallas surpassed its previous-season record of 137. It also made 52 percent of its 3-pointers, 22 of 42.

The Mavs snapped a three-game losing streak in their first game after the All-Star break. San Antonio is going through the worst streak in franchise history, with 15 straight losses.

Of their last 21 games, Spurs have lost 20.

The start of Dallas’ first of six home games – their longest home outing of the season – was delayed by about 20 minutes due to the dampness on the field. Before the match and at half-time, a large group of workers were struggling to dry the surface.

Doncic had 28 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds after three quarters when he went to the bench. He played his third game accompanied by Irving, who eliminated the need for the Slovenian to play in the fourth period.

Irving has scored or assisted on 13 consecutive points early in the fourth quarter. A 10-point lead extended to 25 before the seven-minute mark.

Irving also provided six assists.

Justin Holiday made five of six 3-pointers for 15 points in his Dallas debut, eight days after signing. Eight Mavs players scored in double figures.

“People say Luka and Ky need the ball,” coach Jason Kidd said. “Well, they also know how to take advantage of their teammates. And his teammates are reacting now.”

Malaki Branham led San Antonio with 23 points, while Keldon Johnson had 22, along with eight rebounds and seven assists. Spurs are nearing the end of their usual road trip as their arena is used for a rodeo and cattle show.

This time they played nine consecutive duels on someone else’s home court.