Luka Doncic scores 49 points, Mavericks beat Pelicans

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As Luka Doncic finished fielding questions about his latest highlight-filled, high-scoring performance, a Dallas staff member told him to enjoy the All-Star break.

"No break," Doncic responded.

Indeed, he'll be busy during NBA All-Star weekend, and the panache with which he produced in New Orleans provided yet another example of why he belongs.

Doncic had 49 points and 15 rebounds and the Mavericks never trailed in a 125-118 victory over the Pelicans on Thursday night, their sixth victory in seven games.

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Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) points to the crowd after a score during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022.  (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

"What he’s doing right now is unbelievable," said Mavericks center Maxi Kleber, emphasizing that Doncic makes scoring 40 points look easy. "He's just gifted as a teammate. It's fun to watch."

Doncic made four of his first five 3-point shots — sometimes skipping back to the defensive end in celebration as the net billowed from a long make — before finishing 7 of 14 from deep. He also had eight assists.

Dallas raced to a 45-27 lead after the first quarter, when Doncic scored 19 points and the Mavs combined to make nine of 12 3s.

"Luka set the tone early and often," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. "We can sit here and talk about him all day. The things that he does on the court for himself and his teammates is incredible.

"We’ve used every noun and adjective to describe his game," Kidd added. "He just gets better."

The Mavs took their first lead of 20 or more on another 3 by