Mavs Need Best Version of Luka Doncic as Both Player & Leader to Reach Goals
After a back-and-forth fourth quarter, the Dallas Mavericks ultimately pulled out a gritty, clutch win over the Miami Heat on Thursday night, ending a three-game losing skid.
In the win, Luka Doncic continued his MVP-level play, putting up 35 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists while shooting 12-24 from the field and 7-13 from deep. It was his fifth consecutive 30-point triple-double, tying Russell Westbrook for the most in league history. It was also his fourth consecutive 35-point triple-double, which is the longest streak in league history.
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“We were having more energy and more communication. I think those two things [were the biggest reasons we won,]” Doncic said.
“I think [we handled Miami’s physicality] good. I think we showed our physicality too. The refs were letting us play too, so I think it was both ways.”
After Dante Exum made a big-time 3-pointer off a Doncic assist to give the Mavs a 103-101 lead with 3:15 left in the game, Doncic followed that with a crazy step-back 3 from the right corner to push that lead to 106-101 with 2:27 remaining.
“Those are shots I like,” Doncic said. “[They are] shots I practice, so once I let it go, I knew it was going in.”
For the Mavs to reach their ultimate goal of not only getting to the playoffs, but winning a championship, they will need Doncic to not only be the best version of himself when it comes to his production, but also the best version of himself as a leader.
When Doncic is fully engaged and not preoccupied with complaining to the officials, the Mavs look like a much better defensive team than they did in the six games prior to Thursday’s win over Miami. After giving up 36 points in the first quarter, Dallas held Miami to 25 points or less in the next three quarters to help seal the win.
“Just watch this game and keep playing the same we played for the [last] three quarters in this game,” Doncic said when asked about what his team needs to do to keep momentum rolling.
The Mavs will now have a chance to really get back on track and stack some wins, as they take on the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls on a brief two-game road trip. Although both teams have below-.500 records, Dallas can’t afford to overlook any opponent. Doncic must bring the right energy and set the tone for his team as the march toward the postseason continues.
