Suns' Kevin Durant Has Major Praise for Mavs' Luka Doncic: 'He's Mastered the Game'
DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic has continued to elevate his game despite being a player who has already earned four All-NBA First-Team nominations. He's averaged 34.3 points, 9.6 assists, and 8.8 rebounds through 48 games this season, with a 30-18 record in his appearances.
Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant is among many who appreciate Doncic's impact on the basketball court. Durant described Doncic as someone who has "mastered the game" despite being 24. It's easy to see why, as Doncic averaged 41.7 points, 11.7 assists, and 7.7 rebounds in three games against the Suns this season while producing .526/.474/.871 shooting splits.
"He's advanced, bright, brilliant basketball mind that could almost manipulate everything out there on the court," Durant said after the Suns' 132-109 victory over the Mavs on Jan. 24. "The IQ is just through the roof. I mean, at that age, 23, 24? I feel like he's mastered the game."
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
As someone who has now played in 13 games against Doncic, Durant described Doncic as someone who "pretty much dictates everything" offensively, making it challenging to force him into tricky situations in hopes of containing him.
"That's the highest compliment anybody can play pay you to say they mastered the game," Durant said. "Luka probably feels he needs to improve at other parts of the game. But as someone who is playing against him, I think it's tough to limit him or force him anywhere. He pretty much dictates everything."
Doncic has a rare combination of skills as a 6-foot-7 guard with a strong frame. He breaks defenders down with his crafty handle, whether they are a wing, guard, or big, along with his advanced use of pace and a dynamic step-back 3-pointer. Defenses have to account for that, along with his short/mid-range shot creation and incredible finishing footwork.
"You can't be as physical with him because he is just so crafty. That is half the battle on defense; being physical," Durant said of guarding Doncic after Thursday's game. "[We] try to dictate where the offensive player goes, but he dictates what he wants. [He] plays at his pace and can make every shot."
Durant's superstar teammate, Devin Booker, feels Doncic has achieved the right balance of making plays for his teammates with being aggressive as a scorer. Facing a talent like Doncic requires a focused effort on every possession.
"You have to be ready on every possession. You know the ball is going to be in his hands," Booker said after Thursday's game. "He has the balance figured out of making the right play to his team and knowing when to be aggressive at the same time."
The Mavs ended the season series with a 2-1 record against the Suns, clinching the tiebreaker. They will not face each other again this season unless they meet outside the regular season.
