DALLAS _ Luka Doncic wasted no time alerting coach Rick Carlisle to what the future of the Mavericks might look like.
With Dennis Smith Jr. (right wrist sprain) out, the 6-8 rookie Doncic took over as the Mavericks' starting point guard and he made it clear that it's his most comfortable position on the court.
Not his only one, of course. When Smith returns, he'll be back in the lineup.
But Doncic had nine points and five assists in the game's first eight minutes as the Mavericks got out to a rapid start and fought off a second-half rally by Boston to beat the Celtics, 113-104, for their sixth consecutive win at home. It's their longest home winning streak since late in the 2016-17 season.
The Mavericks (9-9) are .500, and this is the latest in a season they've been at break-even since the end of the 2015-16 season, when they finished 42-40.
Doncic finished with 15 points and eight assists, along with three steals and three turnovers. While he got the Mavericks off to a terrific start, J.J. Barea kept things rolling off the bench with 20 points and eight assists.
"I like the size," coach Rick Carlisle said of the lineup. "It's certainly different. I like our team in general. And I like our depth. The credit goes all around for our guys. They've worked to earn their way back to .500."
Carlisle started Doncic at the point and three wing players around him with DeAndre Jordan at center.
It was a solid lineup built out of necessity. But it's clear Carlisle has no problem letting Doncic handle the ball as much as is needed on most nights.
Even when he has a possession like in the third quarter, when he dribbled for well over 10 seconds on the wing and finally heaved a fadeaway 3-pointer that wasn't close.
"There were highs and lows," Carlisle said. "There were some times when he was maybe a little overzealous. But that's how you learn."
There were also times when he dazzled, like when he faked out most of the Boston roster on the 3-point line and swished a triple in the first half.
Doncic, interestingly, is no stranger to the Celtics. Boston played Real Madrid three years ago in an exhibition when Doncic was 16 years old and with Real Madrid for his first season.
"Yeah, he's special," coach Brad Stevens said. "You didn't see much of him in that game, but you knew since he was 16 and on Real Madrid, he was special.
"He's got all the savvy moves of older guys and the game seems awfully slow for him, like he can just manipulate the game as it's going along. He's got a chance to be a really good player."
No matter what position he plays.
