The Dallas Mavericks improved their record to 3-1 after a 120-114 road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Doncic had a rough game before scoring 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, including a game-sealing three from beyond the Target Center logo on the Wolves court with a minute left. Doncic ruthlessly trash-talked the home fans after the shot.
“That’s what I f***ing do.”
LUKA NAILS A 3 AND INSTANTLY TALKS SHIT
“THATS WHAT I F****** DO!!!”#MFFL @MavsHighlights
— MFFL (@Mavs_FFL) October 30, 2024
Doncic ended the night with 24 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists while shooting 10-27 from the field. This was his only three-point make in the game, going 1-8 from beyond the arc in an inefficient but impactful performance. Doncic reacted to the incredible bucket amidst a cold shooting spell after the game.
“I don’t know how I make those shots and not normal shots…Just gotta get the rustiness out. I didn’t play in the whole preseason so I need some time. But we got the win. That’s all that matters.”
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd also shared his thoughts, saying that Luka lives for game-winning moments like that.
“He enjoyed being able to have that opportunity… Someone just said it, ‘We’ve seen this movie before.’ Luka loves the opportunity to win the game. He’s not scared to step up and make big shots.”
Doncic’s slow performance in this game was covered up well by his teammates. Kyrie Irving had his best performance of the season with 35 points, four rebounds, and five assists on 13-23 shooting from the field. PJ Washington had a great 17 points and eight rebounds in the win as well.
Concern For Luka Doncic Amidst A Slow Start?
This was a signature Luka moment, but he’s not performing up to his standards to open the season. Doncic is averaging 26.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists so far, shooting a very low 36.4% from the field and 26.8% from three. Outside a 40-point outing against the Phoenix Suns, Doncic hasn’t consistently gotten his shots to fall, working through offseason rust after missing preseason due to a calf injury.
The Mavericks will be worried as Doncic is already limping on the court to start the season, taking a big hit from Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels tonight, re-aggravating injury concerns around his lower body.
Mavs star Luka Doncic struggled to put any weight on his right leg after suffering an apparent injury on this collision with Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels.
Hoping everything is okay 🙏 pic.twitter.com/N1AhVkV8ha
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 30, 2024
Despite his poor shooting, Doncic’s presence on the court is vital as their primary playmaker. Even though his assists aren’t as high as last season, his impact on creation is clearly visible in a Mavericks offensive system integrating more ball movement into their offense.
There shouldn’t be much concern around Doncic’s performances as he’s bound to become more efficient as the season goes on and he gets into a rhythm, but there should be concern around Doncic picking up another injury. He’s been playing through an assortment of injuries since the Playoffs, got hurt before the season even started, and has taken a few notable hits in the first four games of the season.
With his usage and importance to the Mavs, the franchise needs to be careful early in the season to avoid a potential injury that could derail their season coming off a Finals appearance.
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