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Luka Doncic Could Play 98 Games Before The 2024 Olympics
Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Luka Doncic could be playing an unprecedented number of games before the 2024 Olympics. The Dallas Mavericks star has already played 70 regular season games and 17 playoff games. If the NBA Finals go the full seven games, that adds up to 94 games. Additionally, Doncic is set to compete in the Olympic qualifying tournament for Slovenia, where he could play up to four more games, bringing the total to 98 games before the Paris Olympics.

Doncic's statistics this season underscore his importance to the Mavericks. He has averaged 28.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range. His performance has been pivotal in leading Dallas to the NBA Finals, where they will face the Boston Celtics.

Luka has also expressed his commitment to representing Slovenia in the Olympic qualifiers, provided his knees hold up. 

"Yeah, I think we'll see how my knee is. But if it's good, I'm going to go play."

The Slovenian national team has included him in their list of candidates for the tournament in Greece, starting on July 2. If Slovenia wins the tournament, they will secure a spot in the 12-team men's field at the Paris Games.

Doncic has a history of representing Slovenia on the international stage. He played in the Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed to 2021 and has also competed in EuroBasket and the World Cup. His dedication to his national team is evident, and he is determined to help Slovenia qualify for the Olympics again.

Luka's potential 98-game stretch is a testament to his resilience and commitment to both his club and country. Despite dealing with a knee issue during the playoffs, he remains focused on delivering stellar performances. In the Western Conference Finals, he averaged 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 2.2 steals per game while shooting 47.3% from the field and 43.4% from deep.

Doncic's presence in the Olympic qualifiers will be a significant boost for Slovenia as they face tough competition from Greece, the Dominican Republic, New Zealand, Croatia, and Egypt. His participation could be the difference-maker in securing a spot for Slovenia in the Paris Olympics.

The NBA Finals and the Olympic qualifiers represent a grueling schedule for Doncic, but his passion and dedication to the sport and his national team are undeniable. As he continues to make history, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this remarkable journey unfolds.

Luka Doncic's Offensive Game Needs To Be At Its Highest Peak Ever

Luka Doncic’s offensive game needs to reach unprecedented heights in the upcoming NBA Finals. The Boston Celtics, statistically one of the best teams in NBA history, boast the fourth-best net rating of any team ever. Their potent offense features five shooters on the floor at all times, and their elite wings, guards, and bigs can switch defensively onto any player seamlessly.

The Celtics will undoubtedly test Doncic on the defensive end, putting him and Kyrie Irving in numerous actions to exhaust their energy and make them work tirelessly on defense. The strategy is clear: tire out Doncic and Irving by forcing them to constantly defend elite offensive players.

To counter this, Luka must adopt the same relentless approach on offense. He needs to attack relentlessly, regardless of who is guarding him. Whether it's Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, or any of Boston’s versatile defenders, Doncic must make them work just as hard. He must be relentless, making them toil and expend their energy on defense, thus giving Dallas a fighting chance.

Doncic’s offensive prowess is already legendary. He is the only player other than Michael Jordan to average over 30 points per game in his playoff career. This incredible stat underscores his ability to perform at the highest level when it matters most. However, in this series, he needs to elevate his game even further.

To beat a team as formidable as the Celtics, Doncic’s offense must be at its peak. This means not only scoring but also facilitating and creating opportunities for his teammates. His playmaking ability will be crucial in breaking down Boston's defense, which excels at switching and disrupting offensive schemes.

Moreover, Doncic needs to be efficient. Boston’s defense will look to force tough shots and capitalize on any mistakes. Doncic must make smart decisions, take high-percentage shots, and minimize turnovers. His ability to read the defense and make the right plays will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the series.

For the Mavericks to have a chance against the Celtics, Luka Doncic's offensive game must reach an all-time high. He needs to be relentless, efficient, and smart, making Boston work for every stop and exploiting any weaknesses in their defense. This is the stage for Doncic to solidify his place among the greats, and he must seize the moment with an offensive performance for the ages.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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