Dallas Mavs Temperature Check: Luka Doncic Optimistic After Loss, Predicts Big Turnaround
Although the Dallas Mavericks are riding a two-game losing streak and have lost six of their last nine matchups, there is no lack of optimism from superstar Luka Doncic as his team enters an easier part of the schedule with three days of rest.
Going into Saturday night's matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Mavs were playing on a second night of a back-to-back without Doncic's co-star Kyrie Irving, Sixth Man of the Year candidate Tim Hardaway Jr. and fourth-year guard Josh Green. Despite being down by 24 points in the fourth quarter, Doncic led a furious comeback, including a league record 30-0 run to take the lead late, but the Mavs ran out of gas and lost to the Thunder 126-120.
"I’m so sad we didn’t win this game, but we gave a big effort. This team today was impressive in the 3rd and 4th quarter. We just got to play like this more times and we’re going to win a lot of games," said Doncic, who finished with 36 points, 15 rebounds and 18 assists, tying Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird for ninth on the NBA's all-time triple-double list.
“That was insane. Like I said, we played with great energy. We had guys out [and] it was a tough game, but we came back and almost won it. Like I said, I’m really sad we couldn't win it but it was a great, great effort.”
Doncic has good reason for his optimism, as the Mavs will now play three consecutive opponents with losing records after getting three days of rest before hitting the court again. If Irving, Hardaway and Green can all get healthy, there's a good chance that Dallas can tack on some more wins to its 11-8 record. As tight as the Western Conference standings are, every early win will matter down the stretch of this season.
Luka Doncic tied Larry Bird for ninth on the NBA's all-time triple-double list.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
On today's episode of the Mavs Step Back Podcast, we recap the Mavs' near-miracle comeback over the Thunder, with both the good and that bad to come from it. We cover Doncic and Dereck Lively II's historic nights at length, as well as give a look ahead to what the Mavs have coming up.
Also, if Dallas is a .500 basketball team by the end of this year, how much blame will be on coaching, and how much blame will be on the players? Given that the Mavs have been a .500 team after 30 games in Jason Kidd's first two years as head coach, it would be discouraging for it to happen for a third consecutive year after the front office went out and made several roster upgrades over the offseason.
You can watch this latest episode above or listen to it below. Be sure to subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you get your podcasts! You can also leave us a review on Apple Podcasts for a chance to win future giveaways.
