USA Today via Reuters
Apr 5, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the first half against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 5, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the first half against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Luka Doncic has been one of the top players coming out of the 2018 draft. Drafted alongside stars like DeAndre Ayton and Trae Young, Doncic has eclipsed everyone and has cemented himself as a superstar.
Ever since the Slovenian made his debut with the Mavs, he was given the keys to the organisation. While it was a huge risk, it did pay off as the rookie immediately started showing glimpses of super-star potential and became the franchise corner stone.
Luka Doncic creates playoff history
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While Luka did not make his debut in the playoffs in his first season, the Mavericks knew they could build around the 6’8″ guard. Bringing in players like Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr., Luka and the Mavs made it to the playoffs.
The Slovenian immediately hit the ground running in the playoffs. Going up against the LA Clippers with superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Doncic was the go-to star for the Mavs.
The sophomore carried the Mavs to six games averaging 31 points, 9.8 assists and 8.7 rebounds per game. It was abundantly clear that the Slovenian was something special.
After a rather decent regular season, Doncic has again turned it up a notch in this year’s playoffs.
Going up against the same Clippers team, Doncic has been torching down his matchups. In the two games he has played, Doncic has averaged 35 points along with 9 assists and 8.5 rebounds per game. Given his unprecedented stat-line in his short NBA playoff career, the Slovenian has certainly made his mark.
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After his latest performance against the Clippers, the 22-year-old created history as he eclipsed LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Tracy McGrady to become the second most prolific young star averaging more than 30 points. The only player he is yet to topple is legendary Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Highest PPG by a player in the playoffs before turning 23 (min 7 games):
36.3 — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
32.0 — Luka Doncic
28.0 — Tracy McGrady
27.7 — Kevin Durant
27.3 — LeBron JamesLuka is also averaging 9.5 RPG and 8.8 APG. Unreal. pic.twitter.com/cb3FT5nspj
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 26, 2021
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This stat line certainly speaks volumes about Doncic’s talent. Not only is he a scorer, but he is also an incredible facilitator and with his incredible size and strength, a good enough rebounder as well.
Rarely has the NBA seen an all-round talent like Doncic and given the progress he has shown, the Slovenian is destined for greatness in the NBA. Do you think Luka Doncic is the next face of the NBA?
