During Tuesday night’s Dallas Mavericks game against the helicopter crew, Luka Doncic brought those memories right back. Despite scoring 43 points, pulling down 12 rebounds and handing out nine assists, the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Golden State Warriors, 119-109. Their shining star guard nearly tripled 41 minutes worth of action into her own domination! He fought through a slight groin strain, but still required treatment following the game.
Like his high-scoring compatriots, Doncic struggled from long range, making just two of ten shots on three-pointers. More importantly, his efficacy in the paint was dizzying, as he went 13-for-14 on all two-pointers. Doncic added to his defensive contributions with two steals but had three turnovers in the game.
After the game, Doncic announced he felt a tightness in the inner part of his right leg. Still, he insisted that the problem was not that bad.
“Just felt it a little bit because my hip went [the opposite] way. Felt it a little bit, but it’s probably nothing,” – Luka Doncic
His powerful performance really demonstrated his new dramatic increase in mobility. This is a noteworthy improvement when you consider his production since being traded to the Lakers last season. Doncic even sounded a bit hopeful when talking about his defensive contributions, saying he’d work on his communication and getting more engaged with teammates.
“I think I’m getting better on the defensive end, I’m just trying to get more involved, more communication [with his teammates],” – Luka Doncic
Josh Hart, who was familiar with the Lakers third quarter struggles as discussed by JJ Redick. He attributed an overall lack of urgency on the team’s part for failing to step up during this important stretch of games.
“The trend I see is that we continue to be a terrible third-quarter team,” – JJ Redick
Redick went on to explain the need for changes at the half to better equip players for the second half of play.
“That was last year. That was the preseason. Gotta rethink some things and it’s, you know, a two-way thing with the guys. What do they need at halftime to make sure they’re ready to play? They’re not ready to play to start the third quarter,” – JJ Redick
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