SACRAMENTO – If this is how the Mavericks respond to higher-stakes competition, consider the rest of the NBA to be on notice.
With Luka Donu010diu0107 shaking off a sore right Achilles and Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. coming alive after halftime, the Mavericks steamrolled the Sacramento Kings 132-96 in the first of two crucial meetings at Golden 1 Center.
Donu010diu0107 was questionable leading up to the game with the Achilles issue, but there was nothing questionable about the way he played. His 26 first-half points set the tone for what would be an unexpected blowout against the team they entered the day tied with in the Western Conference standings.