Luka Doncic is ‘trying’ his best to provide what the Mavericks need most from him.
The Dallas Mavericks made a strong comeback when it mattered most. Despite ongoing setbacks, like a lingering illness in the locker room, the team has been handling these challenges impressively with consistent wins.
Everyone on the Mavericks roster is stepping up to help the team succeed, and Luka Doncic is no exception. He has responded to recent criticism by reminding fans and critics alike that he remains one of the NBA’s elite players.
Luka Doncic’s defense: The key to long-term success
Earlier this year, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins criticized Doncic for his lack of defensive effort. Whether Doncic took this to heart or not, he’s risen to the challenge, playing impressive defense and silencing doubters.
A key moment came in the fourth quarter against Golden State when the Mavericks were up by nine points. Doncic locked in on Brandin Podziemski, forcing him into a bad shot attempt that he ultimately blocked. He then turned defense into offense, setting up Klay Thompson for a 3-pointer on the other end.
This play was just one example of Doncic’s improved defensive effort. When fully engaged, he’s proven to be a solid defender. After the win, Doncic reflected on his defense:
“I know I had to do better. You know, I think there’s still a lot of improvement but I’m trying, I’m trying to be better, especially on the defensive end and you know, when I’m locked in on defense, it helps the whole team,” Doncic said.
The win over Golden State highlighted Doncic’s versatility, as he recorded a 40-point triple-double and added another memorable performance to Mavericks history.
While defense has been a weakness for Doncic in the past, he now seems to be playing some of the best defense of his career.
Dominating the glass remains vital
Doncic also emphasized the importance of rebounding, particularly on the defensive end. The Mavericks have shown they can control the boards, but when they lose focus, opposing teams can exploit them on the offensive glass.
Doncic is spot-on with this observation. While shotmaking isn’t always consistent, defensive effort and hustle can compensate when shots don’t fall.
What stands out most is Doncic’s unselfish approach to the game. He’s not focused on chasing triple-doubles or MVP honors. Instead, he’s proving to be a true team player.
If Jason Kidd can maintain Doncic’s team-first mindset, the Mavericks are well-positioned for long-term success.
