The 2024 NBA Cup quarterfinals featured a highly anticipated clash between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Luka Doncic had a disappointing outing, scoring just 16 points on 5-of-15 shooting, along with 11 rebounds and 5 assists. His subpar performance, particularly in such a critical game, drew criticism from many, including former Los Angeles Lakers guard and two-time NBA champion Quinn Cook. In a now-deleted tweet, Cook didn’t hold back, saying:
“Luka one of my favorite players ever, but I watched him quit on his team tonight. Stop comparing that man to Tatum. It’s not close.”
Despite expectations for a close contest, the Thunder, playing without star center Chet Holmgren, delivered an impressive 118-104 victory. Much of the post-game discussion revolved around Mavericks’ star Doncic and his underwhelming performance.
Cook’s comments ignited debate among fans and analysts, especially his comparison of Doncic to Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum. Cook asserted that Tatum, who has consistently performed at an MVP-caliber level, is a superior player to Doncic. While Doncic has dazzled with his offensive brilliance and clutch moments, Cook questioned his leadership and effort, particularly in games where adversity arises.
The former Laker also expressed admiration for Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, labeling him a close third in the league’s hierarchy behind Tatum and Doncic. Cook acknowledged the exceptional seasons all three players are having but threw his full support behind Tatum for the 2025 MVP award, emphasizing the Celtics forward’s consistency and ability to lead his team to victories in high-stakes situations.
This isn’t the first time Doncic’s effort and body language have been scrutinized. While his immense talent is undeniable, critics have often pointed to his visible frustrations during games and perceived lack of defensive effort as areas of concern. Against the Thunder, these issues seemed to resurface. The Mavericks struggled to find a rhythm, and Doncic’s inability to galvanize his team in Holmgren’s absence further fueled the narrative of his shortcomings as a leader.
Doncic, after a slow start to the season, is now averaging 28.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.9 assists while shooting 44.6% from the field and 34.4% from beyond the arc. Under his leadership, the Dallas Mavericks have climbed to 4th in the Western Conference standings with a solid 16-9 record.
In contrast, Jayson Tatum has established himself as one of the most reliable and composed players in the league. The Boston Celtics have been a force in the Eastern Conference, with Tatum’s two-way dominance serving as the foundation of their success. Cook’s comments underscore a broader debate about what it means to be a franchise cornerstone—whether it’s purely about individual brilliance or a combination of talent, effort, and leadership.
Tatum has been nothing short of outstanding for the Boston Celtics. Tatum is averaging 28.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists while shooting 45.3% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range. His contributions have propelled the Celtics to an impressive 19-5 record, placing them second in the Eastern Conference.
As the Mavericks exit the NBA Cup and refocus on their regular-season goals, Doncic will undoubtedly hear the criticism and feel the pressure to respond. The question remains whether he can elevate his game to match the expectations of being one of the league’s elite players. For now, the comparisons to Tatum serve as a reminder of the high bar set for superstars in today’s NBA.
The Thunder, meanwhile, continue their remarkable run, showcasing their depth and resilience. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s emergence as a legitimate MVP candidate adds another layer of intrigue to the Western Conference race. The performances of players like Tatum, Doncic, and SGA will undoubtedly shape the narratives of this season, making the next chapter in their rivalry even more compelling.
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