Doncic, Irving were in a record-setting zone against Sixers

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were in one of those zones during Thursday’s 133-126 win over the Philadelphia 76ers where the basket was as big as the ocean.

Doncic was 13-of-22 from the field and tallied 42 points, while Irving was 15-of-22 from the floor and collected 40 points. It was the first time a pair of Mavs players scored at least 40 points in the same game.

In fact, this was just the fifth time in NBA history that a pair of teammates each poured in at least 40 points in a non-overtime game. When it was all over, Irving and Doncic spent time complimenting one another.

“I just felt like I was taking advantage of the opportunities when (Doncic) was playing point guard and I was able to come off some screens and be aggressive and be assertive,” said Irving, who also collected six assists and three steals. “I just think I was more ready and prepared for when he was going to pass me the ball.

“Sometimes they come late, sometimes they come early. I’m still getting used to it. But playing alongside Luka when he’s getting downhill and making all of us better, you just got to be ready to knock down shots. That’s what it’s going to come down to.”

Doncic, who also had 12 assists, seemed to be in awe of the way Irving was able to operate on the floor.

“It’s unbelievable the things he does on the court,” Doncic said. “Some movements I have never seen in my life.

“I think if I would have to pay to watch somebody it would be him for sure, because those movements and shots are incredible.”

Here are the three takeaways from the seven-point win over the Sixers.

SHOOTING WAS OFF THE CHARTS: The Mavs had one of those games where they were just so efficient from the field. They shot 54.9 percent and converted 25-of-48 shots from three-point territory for a sizzling 52.1 percent. Consistent hot shooting like that will get any team to the Western Conference Finals and beyond. Especially if they pick it up a bit on the defensive end of the floor.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT BULLOCK: Somewhat lost in the shuffle of the 40-point explosions by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving was the three-point shooting display by Reggie Bullock. When the Mavs were getting some separation between from the Sixers in the third quarter and building that 25-point lead, Bullock was front and center – along with Doncic and Irving – when he made three three-pointers in the third quarter. Bullock finished with 15 points on 5-of-10 baskets from downtown.

MAVS PROTECTED THE BALL: One key stat any coach will say is critical to their team’s success is keeping turnovers to a minimum. And that’s precisely what the Mavs did against the Sixers. The Mavs finished the game with just 12 turnovers. That includes making only three turnovers in the first quarter and following that up by not turning the ball over at all in the second quarter.

Twitter: @DwainPrice