Luka Doncic spoke after the Mavericks lost Game 5 and the NBA championship to the Celtics. Doncic noted that despite the loss, he feels positive. He added that the team had only been together, as presently constructed, for a few months, and they found great success. While there is disappointment about not winning, Luka expressed his pride in every member of the organization for their journey.
“I feel great. We made some great moves. I would say we’ve been together for five months. I’m proud of every guy that stepped on the floor, all the coaches, all the people behind [the scenes]. Obviously, we didn’t win the Finals. But we did have a hell of a season. And I’m proud of everyone.”
“I’m proud of every guy to step on the floor… Obviously, we didn’t win the Finals. But we did have a hell of a season.”
Luka Doncic on the Mavs coming up short against the Boston Celtics 🗣️
(via @JoeyMistretta_) pic.twitter.com/7zV3E9Ac5K
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 18, 2024
Doncic gave a very measured and calm response, especially after such a difficult loss. Luka and the Mavericks had a very difficult series against the Celtics, getting outmatched by the NBA champions in almost every game. While Game 4 gave them some hope, the Mavs just couldn’t keep up with the overwhelming dominance of the Celtics.
Doncic, despite his struggles, performed well in the NBA Finals. Over 5 games, Doncic averaged 29.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. The Mavericks were just not equipped to beat the Celtics in a seven-game series, as the Celtics just had too much star power on the court, with five former All-Stars in their squad.
The Mavericks will be looking to reset from here on out. They tinkered with their roster at the trade deadline, and it paid dividends, as they were able to reach the NBA Finals. Now, it is up to the Mavs to bolster their squad so they can adequately compete with the stacked Western Conference.
Can Luka Doncic Return To The NBA Finals Stage?
Despite the loss, Luka Doncic showed during this playoff run why he is considered one of the elite players in this league. And many fans expect Doncic to be back in the NBA Finals later in his career. Perhaps like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, Doncic will take the losing experience in his first NBA Finals and learn from it.
Doncic is only 25 years old and has a long career ahead of him. If the Mavericks can build a strong team around him, there is no doubt that he can lead the way and bring them back to the NBA Finals. It is safe to say that Doncic is the true heir apparent to Dirk Nowitzki for the Mavericks.
Much like Dirk, Doncic has lost in his first NBA Finals appearance. But if he can continue playing at the highest level possible, there is no reason that this would be his last NBA Finals appearance.
Expect Doncic and the Mavericks to be strong contenders next season, especially if they make additions to their squad. And with the added motivation of losing in the NBA Finals, Doncic and the Mavericks will be a major threat to many teams in the Western Conference.
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