In a game back in January, when the Dallas Mavericks’ crucial play didn’t work against the best defense in the NBA, Luka Doncic didn’t get discouraged. Instead, he suggested running the same play again. Even though the Minnesota Timberwolves had foiled the play before by trapping Doncic, he saw a different opportunity this time. He found Derrick Jones Jr. wide open, and Jones delivered with a dunk.
This level of trust and adaptability from Doncic wasn’t always there. Last season, the Mavs lacked players who could capitalize on opportunities like this. That’s why they made big moves, like trading for Kyrie Irving, to support Doncic better.
Teammate Grant Williams explained how playing alongside Doncic can be relatively easy, likening it to simply enjoying a bag of popcorn while waiting for open shots. Derrick Jones Jr. elaborated on the Mavericks’ strategy, highlighting their efforts to create mismatches and exploit defenders who struggle to guard Doncic. Doncic’s game is marked by his ability to deceive defenders with fakes and unpredictable moves, making it challenging for them to anticipate his next move.
“Luka kind of sets you up where you don’t have to do much—just eat a bag of popcorn, knock down some open shots, and move on,” Williams says.
Grant Williams says playing with Luka Doncic is easy
“Luka kind of sets you up where you don’t have to do much—just eat a bag of popcorn, knock down some open shots, and move on."
(Via https://t.co/YpTf67JxVQ) pic.twitter.com/EfopbvnD7Z
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 6, 2024
Teammates like Jones, along with others such as Jalen Green and Williams, benefit from Doncic’s exceptional passing skills and vision. They often find themselves in favorable positions to score due to the space created by Doncic’s playmaking abilities. While the opportunities to score may seem easy, playing with a player like Doncic means being prepared for passes from unexpected angles at any moment.
Understanding the Mavericks’ situation requires a nuanced approach. It’s not just about wins and losses; it’s about understanding the dynamics of a team that can reach the Western Conference finals one year and miss the playoffs the next. Building a team around Doncic is more art than science, requiring constant evaluation and adjustment to maximize his impact.
