Luka Doncic & Co. made all the noise tonight after defeating the OKC Thunder. The Dallas Mavericks, after suffering a disappointing loss in Game 1, came back stronger with two back-to-back wins. The team managed to achieve this feat despite their scoring leader’s injury. And, the Slovenian star has been struggling with a knee injury throughout the postseason and managed to deliver consistently for the side. Tonight, he revealed the mentality behind his toughness amid the accusations of faking his pain.
Usually, Doncic has faced constant accusations of foul baiting and it has now transformed into an accusation of faking injuries. However, unfazed by the noise, Luka Doncic spoke about his commitment. Following the 101-105 Game 3 thriller, he said, “Injury is when you can’t play. When you are hurt, you can play through pain. It’s part of my Real Madrid DNA. I’d have to be unable to walk to miss one of these games.”
🗣️ Luka Doncic on playing with injury in #NBAPlayoffs : “Injury is when you can’t play. When you are hurt, you can play through pain. It’s part of my Real Madrid DNA. I’d have to be unable to walk to miss one of these games.”
— MM (@MateoMoreno1) May 11, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The 25-year-old found his Real Madrid DNA at a very young age. At the age of 16, he made his debut for the Real Madrid C.F. and went on to become a sensation in a short time. Moreover, he also stamped his authority as one of the best ballers in European basketball at the age of 18. Interestingly, he played the MVP Russell Westbrook during his time in Europe.
Six seasons into the big league, he still has his DNA alive in him, but at the same time, he has been currently trolled by the fans for faking his injuries. In the last month, Doncic found himself in the injury report multiple times with knee issues. He further aggravated it during Game 3 against the LA Clippers.
On top of it, he also tweaked his ankle in Game 2 against the Thunder. He got caught up in a collision with a rookie Cason, Wallace, but he decided to return for Game 3.
Faking accusation chase Luka Doncic amid his struggling series
The injuries have considerably reduced the star’s impact on the court. Doncic had an underwhelming shooting night with a 7-17 FG, dropping 22 points with 15 rebounds. In the last two games, it was PJ Washington who compensated for the reduced effectiveness. Tonight, Washington recorded the team’s high score of 27 points with six rebounds. He was supported by Kyrie Irving with 22 points, who also dropped a dagger at the end to seal the deal.
Nevertheless, amid this team effort, a certain section of fans repeatedly trolled the Slovenian baller for faking his injuries. A user claimed to be frustrated with Doncic’s game, and wrote, “Cries on almost every play He’s either complaining about a call or faking an injury.”
Luka Doncic faking injuries when he is playing like shit pic.twitter.com/jfxxSNypKQ
— ¿¿ (@NoBoozeHere) May 8, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Another fan put their meme knowledge to extract a perfect reaction to his opinion. However, countering such claims, some fans have consciously defended the guard. One user came with a proof to claim that Luka was injured. They wrote, “So many people think he’s faking meanwhile Luka had to sit out games during the last two weeks of the regular season for the same injury. Anything to slander Luka ig.”
Knee bleeding, mouth bleeding, lip swollen, loose tooth…….
OKC Fan: “Luka Doncic is clearly faking injury!!” 😐😐 https://t.co/p6ppqQvD9R
— HeroOfTheDay (@Hero_OfThe_Day) May 10, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This fan pointed out the bleeding nose and swollen lips to further counter the uproar. The only question is, will Luka Doncic shut down all the noise and bring back his magic in Game 4? Let us know in the comments below.