Luka Doncic has always had it in him to lead Mavericks to NBA Finals

Prior to the 2024 playoffs, most who follow the NBA were already regarding Luka Doncic as one of the best players in the game today. But many of those same people were also placing pressure on Doncic to lead the Mavericks to the franchise's first NBA Finals appearance since 2011. Since Doncic has now delivered on that goal, it's important to recognize he's always had it in him. 

On Thursday, Dallas dusted itself off from a Game 4 loss and dominated the Timberwolves. In Dallas' series-clinching 124-103 win, Doncic scored 36 and added 10 rebounds and five assists. He was an offensive force, connecting on 14 of 22 shots, including 6 of 10 from three-point range. 

Doncic's Game 5 performance also came after he posted a triple-double in the loss on Tuesday. During the Game 4 loss, Doncic scored 28 points with 15 boards and 10 assists. That loss wasn't on him. The Game 4 loss came as Doncic's running mate Kyrie Irving had his lowest point total since early in the second round. Irving then turned around and threw up 36 of his own on Thursday as the Mavericks won the Western Conference Finals. 

The point is Doncic has always been clutch and great in the playoffs, but he now has the perfect partner in Irving. He also did it in historic fashion, becoming only the sixth player in NBA history to lead his team in points, rebounds and assists all the way through to the NBA Finals. To no surprise, Doncic was named the MVP of the Western Conference Finals. 

He ended the 2024 Western Conference Finals averaging 31.5 points per game after 24.7 and 29.8 in each prior series, respectively. But as impressive as those numbers are, his averages were often at around the same mark or greater in prior years. 

Doncic's current run comes after he was unable to experience the playoffs last year. Dallas endured a disappointing 2023 season, one that did include a late-season trade to acquire Irving and lay the groundwork for their 2024 success. 

However, looking at every postseason of his career, Doncic's numbers have shown he's always had it in him. He started off averaging 31 points, 9.8 rebounds and 8.7 assists in a 2020 first-round loss. Doncic again lost in the first round in 2021 while averaging 35.7, 7.9 and 10.3. 

Dallas' first two series wins with Doncic came the next year when he did get the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals before eventually falling to the Golden State Warriors. Doncic posted a spread of 32, 9.2 and 6.0 in that series loss to the Warriors as they extended their dynasty.

There are no poor playoff moments or bad big games to stain Doncic's career and legacy. And there's no reason to believe he won't also show up in the NBA Finals no matter the result.