If there was ever a time this season when the Dallas Mavericks needed Luka Doncic to return to the lineup, it was Sunday night in Portland. The Mavericks superstar returned from a five-game absence with several of his teammates sidelined with illness and injuries.

Luka Doncic returned from a wrist injury and had 36 points in the Dallas Mavericks' 137-131 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

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