There is a reason Luka Doncic carries around so much hype. He can do things on the court that most players may not imagine in their wildest dreams. As is typical of NBA players coming from Europe, his game is largely based on skill rather than athleticism.
This was on full display against the Miami Heat. Taking the ball on the 3-point perimeter, he was up against Bam Adebayo. And making his way into the paint, he could not shake him so easily. So, what did he do to get the bucket? Watch for yourself below –
That's TUFF 😱#MFFL | @luka7doncic pic.twitter.com/U9r6IO6EsI
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 2, 2021
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Luka gave Bam not one but two Kobe Bryant fadeaways. What makes this move even more special is the fact that Bam is an All-Defensive Selection player. He is no slouch on defense, and shaking him off required something special this time too.
An improvement for Luka Doncic
Coming into this game, the Slovenian was under huge pressure. He had not lived up to his pre-season MVP billing in the first four games. To make matters worse, he was struggling from the 3-point line; making just 2 of the 25 shots he took from there.
Luka Doncic is back on the court getting shots up after a disappointing loss to the Hornets.
(via @dallasmavs)pic.twitter.com/ejBLqk8V4V
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) December 31, 2020
While his 3-point shooting numbers were not astronomical in this game as well (3 for 10), it is a considerable improvement, and would provide him with a much-needed boost of confidence.
However, he did score 27 points to go with 15 rebounds and 7 assists in 36 minutes of action. One can say his late-night practice at the end of the drubbing by Charlotte Hornets paid off.
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What next for Luka and the Mavs?
Courtesy of this 93-83 win, they now have 2 wins in the bag out of 5 matches. Their season has been marked by inconsistency. When they handed the LA Clippers a resounding 51-point loss, most thought it was the beginning of a glorious campaign.
However, they derailed so badly against the Hornets. But against similar opposition in Chicago Bulls, they will hope to banish their demons, and look to build on this momentum to go on a winning run.
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Also, the Dallas Mavericks need Luka’s Commander-in-Chief Kristaps Porziņģis back as soon as possible. Then, we may truly find out where things stand for the Texan outfit.