Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic completed his first trip to the
NBA Finals. In defeat, the Mavs were gentlemen’s swept by eventual
champion Boston Celtics in five games. With this loss, Doncic must
enter a familiar crossroads. Even the all-time greats as Michael Jordan,
Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaq, LeBron James all had to evolve their game in
winning championships.
Great of a player as Doncic is, the style of play he possesses isn’t
conducive in winning championships. There’s times we as fans say:
“Luka Magic” is making this look easy; other moments it’s “bad
offensive possession.” Playing iso basketball and competing for
championships don’t mix. As this offseason has started, Doncic must
evaluate his play and grow stronger.
From a fan’s perspective, defense is the starting point for improvement.
Having a mindset of impacting the game and helping his team in crucial
situations. Not getting back on defense and complaining about fouls
won’t get you anywhere. There must be a sense of understanding in this
regard. Being the best player on your team and giving effort on defense
sparks energy to everyone. Logo threes are nice highlight reels, but
defense wins championships.
Reverting to old habits doomed Doncic and the Mavericks. Fouling out
in a must win game three after rallying was an indictment. Great players must hold themselves accountable if they’re leading the way. Some
would say his conditioning was out of sorts; whereas the casual NBA
fan would say Minnesota was lightwork without preparing them for a
gruesome Boston Celtics team who’ve been there. This was Doncic’s
first deep postseason run and playing through injuries late in the season.
I don’t question his heart and commitment; it’s how he played in the
Finals which a triple-double isn’t always winning basketball at this
stage.
You can average a triple-double but being efficient is more doable in
helping your team win. Even with Kyrie Irving, there was no real threat
to Boston. Credit game two stands out in which we’re having a different
conversation if the referees make the right calls to in making it a 1-1
series going back to Dallas. That’s neither here nor there; it’s more on
avoiding those moments to help secure a legit road win.
Doncic must face harsh realities in getting himself in shape mentally and
physically. Great players must lose to appreciate winning; sounds easier
said than done. Look back at the history of basketball: how many great
players were so close and finally got over the hump? When you play
against well-constructed rosters and coaches who can maximize their
players, it’s easy work without missing a beat. It starts with an overall
commitment from your star player to adjust his game.
Playing off the ball will open the rim and create mismatches for
opposing defenses. Doncic’s IQ will get crisper in this regard and allow other guys to be featured. This will allow him to preserve his body as the
Mavericks dive into late May and June. A healthier Doncic is Dallas’
greatest necessity in winning a championship. Understanding his role
and adjusting his play to benefit the Mavericks chances of getting back
to the Finals. Great players must chose to evolve and win the right way
or continue to fall short in their own logical way. When the game
humbles you, a player must look into the mirror and change for the
betterment of team success.
