“It’s kind of deflating,” said Klay Thompson, who passed Reggie Miller for fifth on the career 3-point list during the spirited Dallas rally. “We have such a deep roster, and that’s why we can withstand this time without him.

Luka Dončić, who led the Dallas Mavericks past the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals last spring, had to exit the teams’ Christmas matchup early. Late in the second quarter, Dončić limped off the court after suffering what the team said was a left calf strain.