NBA scores and schedule for Tuesday: Mavericks need Kristaps Porzingis to step up; Hawks look for reboot

The Dallas Mavericks were all smiles Monday night after defeating the Orlando Magic.

With their eighth win in the last 10 games, the Mavs improved to 17-16 and climbed back over .500 for the first time since Jan. 22. After a sluggish start, the full rotation is healthy and Dallas appears to be turning a corner ahead of the NBA All-Star break.

However, the recent hot streak has not answered all of the Mavs' questions. Their biggest long-term uncertainty remains Kristaps Porzingis. Can he stay on the floor? And can he be the second option on a championship contender?

The 130-126 win over Orlando on Monday was emblematic of the Mavs' issues. Luka Doncic was sensational, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists on 12-of-22 shooting from the field and 5-of-10 from 3-point range.

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Porzingis, though, was inconsistent, and the Mavs struggled to put away an inferior Magic team. Porzingis shot 1-of-9 in the first half and missed all six of his 3-point attempts. He bounced back in the second half to shoot 4-of-6 overall and 3-of-4 from long range.


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