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Why Mavericks’ Luka Doncic is poised to dominate Thunder as NBA playoffs continue

Originally posted on ClutchPoints | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated 5/10/24

DALLAS — Luka Doncic wants to win. That is what he cares about when it comes to basketball. He does not enjoy the drama and storylines that come with playing in the NBA. Yet, over the past week, rumors have swirled about the Dallas Mavericks superstar.

One report claimed that an anonymous assistant coach believes there is a sense of “relief” from Doncic’s teammates when he comes off the floor, via Howard Beck of The Ringer. Tim Hardaway Sr., the father of Doncic’s teammate Tim Hardaway Jr., said on The Carton Show that Dallas has better ball-movement when Doncic is on the bench, via ClutchPoints. Of course, Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished ahead of Doncic in 2024 NBA MVP voting, with Jokic ultimately winning the award.

The majority of analysts either supported Jokic as the MVP or claimed that Gilgeous-Alexander should have won. Yet, there was not nearly as much support for Doncic’s case despite his remarkable 2023-24 season.

Doncic is arguably the best player in the NBA. He does not receive nearly enough credit or attention from a national standpoint. Fans in Dallas love Doncic, of course, but he deserves far more respect from the entire NBA world.

Again, Doncic does not typically think about such things. However, he may use it as motivation.

The Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals to even the series at one game apiece. Doncic silenced the Thunder crowd with 29 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals in the 119-110 win.

Luka looked extra motivated on the floor as well, and that’s something that will catch the Thunder’s attention.

Motivated Luka Doncic spells trouble for Thunder

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket beside Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half of game two of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

It should be noted that every player has motivation in the postseason. After all, winning a championship is the primary goal.

One has to wonder if the disrespect is giving Doncic extra motivation. Doncic is a soft-spoken guy, who is usually not going to passionately call out any of his critics. But his play did the talking on Thursday.

Despite entering the game with a right knee sprain and suffering a face injury during the contest, Luka came out swinging and started strong. He looked aggressive and ready to go. In the first quarter, Luka scored 16 points on 6-8 shooting from the field and 4-5 shooting from beyond the arc.

It needs to be remembered that Doncic has struggled with his shot for most of the 2024 playoffs so far. He found it on Thursday, however.

Maybe Doncic is simply motivated because it is the NBA playoffs. Perhaps he is continuing to tune out the outside noise and is not using it as extra motivation.

Either way, Doncic is clearly motivated to win. The NBA world will be forced to give Luka Doncic the national attention he deserves soon. This is a player who is going to do whatever it takes to lead the Mavericks to a series victory over the Thunder.

Game 3 is scheduled for 3:30 PM EST on Saturday at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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