Mavs Donuts: Luka Returns, DeMar DeRozan Hits Two Straight Game-Winners

Here's a look at 12 of the NBA's biggest storylines for today, including what's going on with the Dallas Mavericks.
DONUT 1: MAVS ROLL OVER THUNDER
Luka Doncic made his return from health & safety protocols as he led the Mavs to a 95-86 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Check out our recap here.
DONUT 2: GIDDEY THE YOUNGEST TO RECORD TRIPLE-DOUBLE
Despite the loss, Thunder rookie Josh Giddey became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double at 19 years and 84 days. He scored 17 points to go with 13 rebounds and 14 assists.
DONUT 3: MAVS ENDED 2021 WITH A WIN
In case you spent the whole week partying, here is a look back at the Mavs' win Friday night over the Sacramento Kings.
DONUT 4: A FULL LOOK BACK AT 2021
And in case you were partying for the whole year, or you just want to take a trip down memory lane, here's a look at 21 of the top DFW sports stories of the year from Richie Whitt.
DONUT 5: PINSON AND CHRISS STICK ON
The Mavs opted to sign Theo Pinson and Marquese Chriss to second 10-day deals after performing well during the duration of their first contract. Chriss led the Mavs with 15 points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes of play against the Thunder on Sunday night.
DONUT 6: ON THIS DAY, 2021
Stephen Curry scored a career-high 62 points in a 137-122 win against the Portland Trail Blazers. He shot 18 for 31 from the floor and made 8 of 16 shots from deep.
DONUT 7: ROCKET EXPLOSION
During a loss to the Denver Nuggets Friday night, an argument took place in the Houston Rockets' locker room that resulted in Kevin Porter Jr. leaving the arena midgame and Christian Wood refusing to sub in during the second half.
DONUT 8: BROWN 50-BURGER
Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown scored a career-high 50 points on 19 of 29 shooting in a 116-111 overtime win over the Orlando Magic. Brown also made five triples and grabbed 11 rebounds.
DONUT 9: ANYONE WANT A JALEN SMITH POSTER?
Check out what second-year Phoenix Suns center Jalen Smith did Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets:
JALEN SMITH POSTER OH NO pic.twitter.com/V4BJYtohVy
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) January 3, 2022
DONUT 10: SO CLOSE YET SO FAR
Miami Heat wing Jimmy Butler had his game-tying attempt bounce off the rim in a 115-113 loss to the Sacramento Kings.
Jimmy Butler's game-tying shot attempt bounces in and out. Heat lose to the Kings 115-113.
— Bally Sports Sun: HEAT (@BallyHEAT) January 3, 2022
Yurtseven // 22 points, 16 rebounds
Herro // 22 points
Butler // 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
Martin // 15 points, 6 rebounds
Lowry // 14 points, 12 assists@MiamiHEAT | #HEATCulture pic.twitter.com/VKqlqMXPor
DONUT 11: START THE YEAR JUST HOW YOU ENDED LAST YEAR
Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan hit a game-winner on New Year's Eve against the Indiana Pacers. Then, just over 24 hours later, hit another game-winner against the Washington Wizards. It's a shame that the Mavs weren't able to land DeRozan in the offseason. He would've been an excellent fit next to Doncic and in Kidd's system.
🚨 BUTTER at the BUZZER 🚨
— NBA (@NBA) December 31, 2021
DeMar DeRozan knocks down the ONE-LEGGED triple as the @chicagobulls win on a #TissotBuzzerBeater! #ThisIsYourTime pic.twitter.com/rKdMtGpoM0
DeMar DeRozan won it with a #TissotBuzzerBeater on back-to-back nights.
— NBA (@NBA) January 2, 2022
Submit your IN-ARENA or AT-HOME video angles of the game winners to possibly get featured on @NBA!
SEND HERE: https://t.co/F0LB1UXuD4 pic.twitter.com/X6um7REKfM
DONUT 12: UP NEXT
The Mavericks are back at it again tonight in the second game of a back-to-back, this time at home against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT.

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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