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Reading: Luka Doncic Responds To Accusations That He Can’t Play Defense: “It’s Really Hard For Me To Play Really Hard On Both Ends”
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Luka Doncic Responds To Accusations That He Can’t Play Defense: “It’s Really Hard For Me To Play Really Hard On Both Ends”

Luka Doncic Responds To Accusations That He Can’t Play Defense: “It’s Really Hard For Me To Play Really Hard On Both Ends”

Luka Doncic has finally addressed questions about his defense, explaining how his offensive load inadvertently affects his impact on defense.

Ishaan Bhattacharya
Apr 5, 2023
3 Min Read
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Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

This has been a nightmare season for Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, as Luka’s almost historic form from this season is likely going to go to waste as the Mavs fail to qualify for the postseason.

Doncic has been heavily criticized after the Mavs collapsed in the last 2 months and spoke to the media about the reason his defense is not good before his next game against the Sacramento Kings.

“I’ve been playing basketball for 3 straight years. 4 weeks in between it was free. Sometimes it’s really hard for me to play really hard on both ends. But obviously, the defensive end I gotta be way better.” 

Luka Doncic speaks out on his poor defense

“I've been playing basketball for 3 straight years. 4 weeks in between it was free. Sometimes it's really hard for me to play really hard on both ends. But obviously, the defensive end I gotta be way better.”

(h/t @ClutchPointsApp ) pic.twitter.com/TzcN5nPLgQ

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 4, 2023

Doncic carries an incredibly heavy load offensively and has never been regarded as a player in tip-top conditioning. The amount of work he does offensively has been limiting him defensively. If Kyrie Irving re-signs with the team, Doncic will be expected to pass some offensive responsibility to Irving and lock in on the defensive end.


Will Luka Doncic Ever Figure Out How To Be A Solid Defender?

For someone with as much ability as Luka Doncic, it’s surprising he is as poor defensively as he has been this season. His lack of effort is a massive point of concern, as Doncic tends to walk back on defense and fails to stop most players if he is guarding them one-on-one.

Doncic has shown flashes of defensive ability, as he did against the Phoenix Suns in Game 7 of the 2022 Playoffs. Even in the Mavs’ last loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Doncic put in the best defensive performance of his young career in the fourth quarter to clamp up not only Trae Young but also Dejounte Murray.

Luka has the IQ and ability to be a stronger defensive player, but his conditioning is a long way behind still. If this summer can help Luka refocus on his career, he may prioritize his gas tank to ensure he can go through the pressure of an 82-game season next year.  

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TAGGED:Dallas Mavericks ArchiveLuka Doncic
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ByIshaan Bhattacharya
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Ishaan Bhattacharya is a content manager for Fadeaway World from New Delhi, India. With his expertise in NBA content creation, Ishaan brings a wealth of experience to his role, contributing to the site's authority and reach within the basketball community. Over the last year, Ishaan has interviewed Ray Allen and Mark Tatum, while also covering the 2023 NBA Abu Dhabi Games which saw the Dallas Mavericks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.Since joining Fadeaway World in March 2022, Ishaan Bhattacharya has become known for his unique perspective on the NBA. He consistently delivers this insight through his daily news coverage and detailed opinion pieces on the most significant topics in the league.Before his tenure at Fadeaway World, Ishaan worked in corporate communications, where he serviced prominent sports brands, including NBA India, Sports18, Amazon Prime Sports, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. This experience in strategic communications for leading sports entities has enhanced his ability to craft impactful narratives and connect with a global audience.A true MFFLer (Mavs Fan for Life, for the uninitiated), Ishaan is a massive fan of the Dallas Mavericks. When he is not upset about Jalen Brunson walking in free agency, you can see Ishaan as an avid gamer and content creator. His passion for basketball extends beyond the Mavericks, as evidenced by his thoughtfully curated NBA Mount Rushmore, featuring LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell—each representing distinct eras and bringing their unique qualities to the game.Featured On: ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, Yahoo Sports, NBA, Fox Sports, The Spun
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