Like Rudy Gobert (6 points, 6 rebounds) or Nikola Jokic (10 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists), European players remained discreet for this anniversary All-Star Game. But for Luka Doncic (8 points, 3 assists), this third All-Star cap had a special taste, alongside Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd to represent his Mavs.
“Dirk is obviously the one who represents Dallas the most, but it’s good to have these two guys on my side. I see them almost every day, but it’s always a pleasure. We represent Dallas. But it was amazing to see all this talent come together for one event. I really enjoyed being there with these 75 players. “
Pictured with his current coach, and his former teammate, Luka Doncic was the last Team LeBron player to hit the court in the first quarter, but the “Wonderboy” was quick to leave his mark on the game with two consecutive arrows past the bow to win the period on the wire.
His embrace with Her Majesty
With only 6 shots in 25 minutes, Luka Doncic kindly took a back seat to admire the performance of his one-night teammate, Stephen Curry, author of a tremendous fireworks display with 50 points.
“It was an incredible performance, he’s the greatest shooter of all time, so it was no surprise to me” commented the leader of Dallas.
In the front row for the ceremony of the 75 best players of the 75 years of existence of the NBA, Luka Doncic was able to share a moment of complicity with His Majesty, Michael Jordan, who came to kiss him when he came down from the mounted stage during the half-time break. And Luka Doncic still can’t believe it…
“It was amazing. I do not know how to explain it. That moment was just amazing. MJ knows my name. It’s huge, just a crazy moment. I don’t have the words…”
For the second time in a week, Erik Spoelstra faced Luka Doncic, this time without consequence at least. But the Heat technician has known the Slovenian prodigy for a while. Since 2017, when his leader, Goran Dragic, presented it to him during the preparation before the Euro that Slovenia was going to win…
“I quickly realized that Goran was also a good scout,” smiles spo. “The very first time I saw Luka play, I wondered who this kid was. He was playing a lot like LeBron, and at the time I had no idea who he was, but you could already see he had a great career ahead of him. Even at a very young age, his game, his understanding of the game and his IQ were already way ahead. “
A discreet weekend
In full swing with his Mavs who remain on 8 wins in their last 11 outings, with more than 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists on average over this series, Luka Doncic had a good time without forcing anything in Cleveland. In addition to this remarkable embrace with Michael Jordan, and his brotherly relationship with Nikola Jokic with whom he spent Saturday evening to celebrate the birthday of the reigning MVP, he was also able to test his high popularity rating among his little comrades.
If Draymond Green confirmed that Luka Doncic was well and truly back to his best after a difficult start to the season, that Monty Williams insisted on taking him aside and introducing him to his children, the Dallas superstar also received his flowers from Trae Young, the one against whom he was traded in the 2018 Draft but who is not transformed into a rival.
“We talk during the offseason and we talk during the season. Everyone wants us to be adversaries and hate each other but that’s not the case between Luka and me. He’s obviously a great guy. “
Seventh player in history to be invited to three All-Star Games before the age of 23, Luka Doncic has been discreet in Cleveland. And, to tell the truth, he may have already had his mind elsewhere. In the second part of the season of his Mavs obviously. But also to this little break to breathe before resuming business with Dallas.
“I’m going to leave for a bit, you won’t see me for the next three days. I’m going, uh… to Slovenia! If you want to see me, I’ll be in Slovenia. “
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsnXs4WfQdE
| Luka Doncic | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2018-19 | DAL | 72 | 32 | 42.7 | 32.7 | 71.3 | 1.2 | 6.6 | 7.8 | 6.0 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 3.4 | 0.4 | 21.2 |
| 2019-20 | DAL | 61 | 34 | 46.3 | 31.6 | 75.8 | 1.3 | 8.1 | 9.4 | 8.8 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 4.3 | 0.2 | 28.8 |
| 2020-21 | DAL | 66 | 34 | 47.9 | 35.0 | 73.0 | 0.8 | 7.2 | 8.0 | 8.6 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 4.3 | 0.6 | 27.7 |
| 2021-22 | DAL | 44 | 35 | 44.9 | 33.5 | 73.1 | 0.9 | 8.3 | 9.2 | 9.0 | 2.4 | 1.1 | 4.4 | 0.5 | 27.6 |
| Total | 243 | 34 | 45.6 | 33.2 | 73.4 | 1.1 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.9 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 4.0 | 0.4 | 26.0 | |
