via Imago
Dec 17, 2020; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Dec 17, 2020; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA. The 2019 Rookie of the year has grown leaps and bounds since entering the league two years ago.
In his two seasons in the NBA, Doncic has been an All-Star, been named to an All-NBA first team, and been in the MVP race already. But even Doncic is capable of having an off night.
Luka Doncic unhappy with loss to Bulls
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Tonight, the Chicago Bulls defeated the Dallas Mavericks. Despite Luka Doncic putting up a 30-point triple-double (36-15-16), the team came up short against the Bulls.
Doncic spoke to the press after the game and noted that he had not played up to the level demanded of him. He thought that he was very self-centered during the game and took shots that didn’t make sense.
Luka Doncic (36 points, 16 rebounds, 15 assists): “The second half, I played terrible. That’s on me, that game. I was being selfish a little bit because I had 30 points in the first half. That wasn’t me in the second half. I’ve got to do way better.” https://t.co/K3Zr057UtI
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) January 17, 2021
He said, “The second half, I played terrible. That’s on me, that game. I was being selfish a little bit because I had 30 points in the first half. That wasn’t me in the second half. I’ve got to do way better.”
Despite Luka’s incredible stat-line, he is clearly unhappy without the win. Doncic is a fierce competitor, and winning is the most important thing to him. Regardless of how well he plays, Doncic will not be happy with the game unless his team walks out with the win at the end of the buzzer.
Mavs having inconsistent season so far
While the start of the season was shaky for Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, they were able to pick up form as they found their feet. Ahead of the game against the Bulls, the Mavericks won four of their last five games. Additionally, the return of secondary star Kristaps Porzingis really boosted the Mavericks.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 15, 2021; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) battles for the ball between Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Jrue Holiday (21) at the Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Monroe/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports
But the game against the Chicago Bulls was a prime example of why anything can happen in the NBA. Luka Doncic has continued to play better and better, as he marches on in his MVP campaign.
Doncic is the favorite to win the MVP this season in the eyes of many. However, he won’t be satisfied unless he can help Dallas get a good seed in the playoffs.
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Can Luka Doncic and the Mavericks bounce back from this loss? They have the talent and team to do it. However, there seem to be some lingering chemistry issues that need to be addressed.
The loss of Seth Curry to the 76ers has been quite big for them. But with Luka and Porzingis healthy, the Mavericks have one of the best duos in the NBA.
