Luka Doncic just had a historic performance against the Utah Jazz, becoming the first player in history to have a 29-point triple-double at halftime and ended the game with a 40-point triple-double. As the Mavericks romped to a 50-point win (147-97), Doncic couldn't help but curse while giving his post-game interview.
"Before the game, I said, 'We just can't f**k around... Oh Sh*t."
This isn't the first time Doncic has cursed in a post-game interview this season, so it's clear he lets his inhibitions get the better of him after games. The interviewer commented on how Doncic probably made the mistake because of lack of sleep, as he became a father last week with the birth of his daughter.
Doncic has been in a rich vein of form since becoming a father, having notched triple-doubles in both the games he's played since the news. Unfortunately, the first was against the OKC Thunder where the Mavericks went on a 30-0 run and still managed to lose, but at least they handled a weakened Jazz squad for the biggest win by any team this season.
The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a disastrous season where they missed the playoffs, but the roster changes they've made have managed to strengthen this team considerably. Kyrie Irving is looking comfortable in his role as the secondary star, though he could still turn up his production. He's still a fantastic fourth-quarter scorer, but could improve his consistency and production over 48 minutes. He's averaging 23.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists this season.
With the Irving and Doncic backcourt pair looking solid, the role-players in Dallas have stepped up. Grant Williams has been inconsistent and currently going through a rough patch, but rookie Dereck Lively II and minimum signing Derrick Jones Jr. have emerged as two of their most important pieces. Even Dante Exum is giving the team great minutes and is arguably their most versatile rotational piece as a two-way guard who can also play as a wing alongside Luka and Kyrie.
The team could still improve their roster and add a genuine defensive stopper. The Mavericks have struggled to figure out their defensive identity since Dorian Finney-Smith left the franchise. Grant Williams was supposed to be that primary defensive piece, but it's clear Dallas still needs to add size to compete.
If they make a trade for someone like Jerami Grant or Kyle Kuzma, it'd be a clear declaration that the team wants to push to win immediately. With an ownership change looming, the Mavericks may find themselves pushing their chips in the middle to try and give Doncic a genuine contending roster before he starts thinking about his impending 2026 free agency.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!