Doncic stars on return as Mavericks edge Spurs

LA, December 27: Luka Doncic made an impressive return for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA, while Chris Paul's efforts were not enough for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Doncic returned from an ankle injury and starred again after missing four games for the Mavericks.

The guard had a double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds, and contributed eight assists, in a 102-98 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

NBA: Dallas Mavericks star Doncic ruled out of Bucks clash

Tim Hardaway Jr. had 17 points for Dallas, while Dorian Finney-Smith and Kristaps Porzingis added 13 each.

Paul had a double-double of 23 points and 11 assists in the Thunder's 110-97 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Jonas Valanciunas led Memphis with 21 points on nine-of-11 shooting.

Marvellous Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell's 35 points helped the Utah Jazz to a 121-115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Joe Ingles (26 points) and Rudy Gobert (16 points and 15 rebounds) also starred for Utah.

Gorgui Dieng's double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds helped the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Sacramento Kings 105-104 after double overtime.

Misery for Nets

The Brooklyn Nets went 21-of-78 from the field – just 26.9 per cent – in a 94-82 loss to the New York Knicks. Taurean Prince was one-of-10.

Curry magic

Seth Curry produced a beautiful behind-the-back pass to Doncic, without looking.

Thursday's results

Detroit Pistons 132-102 Washington Wizards New York Knicks 94-82 Brooklyn Nets Memphis Grizzlies 110-97 Oklahoma City Thunder Dallas Mavericks 102-98 San Antonio Spurs Minnesota Timberwolves 105-104 Sacramento Kings Utah Jazz 121-115 Portland Trail Blazers

Pacers at Heat

Two of the top five teams in the Eastern Conference do battle as the Indiana Pacers (21-10) visit the Miami Heat (22-8) on Friday.