Luka Doncic had one of the highest production seasons in NBA history last season, winning the scoring title while carrying the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals, though his first Finals trip ended with a 4-1 series loss to the Boston Celtics. Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki featured on the DLLS Mavs Podcast and shared his advice with Doncic for what he needs to do to get over the championship hump.
“Well just keep doing what he’s doing. Play your game. I know it wasn’t the ending you were hoping for, but you’re just getting started, you’re 25 years old. It’s good sometimes to get a little disappointment to try again to motivate you and push you to work harder and become an even better player if that’s even possible.”
“Honestly, he needs to keep doing what he’s doing. He’s an incredible player, playing at the highest level, and is MVP caliber every year. Staying healthy, take care of your body, it’s gonna be another long year.”
Mavs GOAT Dirk Nowitzki on how he would advise Luka Doncic on his approach to this season coming off the Finals loss:
“Well just keep doing what he’s doing…it’s good sometimes to get a little disappointment to try again to motivate you and push you to work harder…” #MFFL pic.twitter.com/jrZ9WxJ0nU
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) September 12, 2024
Doncic averaged 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists last season, convincingly winning the scoring title while having one of the best seasons in NBA history in terms of point contributions, with Doncic’s points and assists contributing over 50 points per game last season. His offensive mastery helped the Mavs run through the Western Conference despite being injured, but it wasn’t enough in the Finals.
The Mavericks’ road to returning to the Finals won’t be easy as their opponents from last season like the OKC Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves have made major moves to improve their roster, with the Denver Nuggets still a very scary team to outperform.
Dallas has made interesting offseason moves like acquiring Klay Thompson, Quentin Grimes, and Naji Marshall, so hopefully those moves are enough to move the needle for the Mavericks and make them a championship favorite, led by Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Jayson Tatum Predicts A 2024 Finals Rematch Next Season
Before the start of the 2024-25 season, reigning NBA Champion Jayson Tatum appeared on the Jimmy Fallon Show, where he openly discussed the two teams he expects to see in the 2025 Finals. His backing of his Celtics to return to the biggest stage of basketball was not surprising, but he also backed the Mavericks to repeat their run through the West and meet the Celtics again.
“It’s going to be a rematch. We’re going to play Dallas again.”
Dallas will hope their roster additions are good enough to help turn a 4-1 series into a win on their end. But there was a lot of room to improve for the Mavs in the Finals last season, especially in terms of offensive creation from anyone but Luka. Kyrie couldn’t deliver either, but that’s why they got an offensive wildcard like Thompson onto the team.
We’ll wait and see if Tatum’s final prediction actually ends up happening, but the Mavericks will be gunning for nothing less than a title even if fans or media think they have some ways to go.
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