**Official Luka Doncic Thread**

[TSonn]

Originally Posted by sbradley440214

One major element to note is the roster changes. Not playing Dwight Powell, who is a defensive nightmare (in a bad way) and can't contribute offensively except on lobs - that has been HUGE. Porzingis getting touches and more defensively involved as a rim protector has surely made a difference from those 4 losses to this 2 game win streak.

I'm not saying the team doesn't need Luka to win against good teams - they do. I'm simply stating the major weakness to the team is also Luka.

Yeah, Powell is worthless without Luka but becomes serviceable with Luka (at least on offense).

I think you're right that this 2 game stretch without Luka is (hopefully) giving Kidd some more ideas on line-ups and styles to try when Luka comes back. If anything, at least some ideas while Luka is off the court at the end of the 1st and 3rd quarters.

But again, we have to keep things in perspective that they looked great against OKC and CHA without Melo. Tomorrow v LAL will be interesting to follow if Luka isn't playing and to watch if Luka is playing.

[2010GBPackers]

Originally Posted by TSonn

While this all might be true, it's important to peak at the previous stretch when Luka was out against good competition (PHO, LAC, MEM): 0-4.

This current 2-0 streak without Luka has been against OKC and CHA (sans Melo).

This team without Luka can beat the worst teams most nights but they don't stand a chance without Luka against the best teams.

It is nice to see KP raise his trade value, though. Maybe this 2 game stretch will motivate some teams to make a play for him.

Which good teams have they beaten w/ Luka? I see 2 - the Clippers and Nuggets. The truth is, they don't beat good teams with or without Luka.

[rustywest]

Its crazy how as the league currently plays, if your team defense has holes, and a player slow to an assignment, you get absolutely burnt 8/9 times out of 10.

I think Luka will round into decent shape at the back-end. But he only has himself to blame for Dallas' .500 in showing up to work for his team-mates out of shape and behind the eight ball. I get it, you live a little in the off-season. He knows that, which I think speaks volumes. Its kinda the same thing with Zion's questionable ethic but I'm not sure Zion is quite as aware...

Anybody know if Luka is in/out vs the Lakers?

[TSonn]

Originally Posted by rustywest

Its crazy how as the league currently plays, if your team defense has holes, and a player slow to an assignment, you get absolutely burnt 8/9 times out of 10.

I think Luka will round into decent shape at the back-end. But he only has himself to blame for Dallas' .500 in showing up to work for his team-mates out of shape and behind the eight ball. I get it, you live a little in the off-season. He knows that, which I think speaks volumes. Its kinda the same thing with Zion's questionable ethic but I'm not sure Zion is quite as aware...

Anybody know if Luka is in/out vs the Lakers?

lol

[Onepocketj]

Originally Posted by TSonn

lol

Don't you understand? They missed all those shots because he ate a hamburger!

[sethc1020]

Originally Posted by Onepocketj

Don't you understand? They missed all those shots because he ate a hamburger!

I love hamburgers, slap some cheese on it and forget about it!

[drobfan8]

Originally Posted by TSonn

While this all might be true, it's important to peak at the previous stretch when Luka was out against good competition (PHO, LAC, MEM): 0-4.

This current 2-0 streak without Luka has been against OKC and CHA (sans Melo).

This team without Luka can beat the worst teams most nights but they don't stand a chance without Luka against the best teams.

It is nice to see KP raise his trade value, though. Maybe this 2 game stretch will motivate some teams to make a play for him.

They may have lost those games if Luka had played. Or some of them. They could have easily lost to CHA if Luka had played also.

If you're a fan, you should be wanting them to just as much as they can and avoid a 1st round vs PHO, GS or LAL.

Like I said in an earlier post. They haven't looked like they're even having fun out there. I let's hope they win a series these Playoffs. Let's see some Luka Magic

[tjforce]

Originally Posted by drobfan8

They may have lost those games if Luka had played. Or some of them. They could have easily lost to CHA if Luka had played also.

If you're a fan, you should be wanting them to just as much as they can and avoid a 1st round vs PHO, GS or LAL.

Like I said in an earlier post. They haven't looked like they're even having fun out there. I let's hope they win a series these Playoffs. Let's see some Luka Magic

One of my observations previously is how a number of people care more about watching Luka put up stats than winning. It's not just Luka... last night I saw 2 people celebrating Trae's big stat night..... in a loss to Houston.

As a fan, I don't get that. And as a collector, you eventually need wins to go along with those numbers if you want the respect and accolades. Luka is putting up 26/8/8 this season. Trae 27/4/9. If that's accompanied by strong defense, clutch performances to close out games, and a top 2 record, you're talking about being at the top of the MVP conversation. But instead you are talking about to .500 teams and their names are not even to be discussed at the top of the mix right now.

[Spacemanspif]

Originally Posted by tjforce

One of my observations previously is how a number of people care more about watching Luka put up stats than winning. It's not just Luka... last night I saw 2 people celebrating Trae's big stat night..... in a loss to Houston.

As a fan, I don't get that. And as a collector, you eventually need wins to go along with those numbers if you want the respect and accolades. Luka is putting up 26/8/8 this season. Trae 27/4/9. If that's accompanied by strong defense, clutch performances to close out games, and a top 2 record, you're talking about being at the top of the MVP conversation. But instead you are talking about to .500 teams and their names are not even to be discussed at the top of the mix right now.

Wins don’t matter. Only shooting percentage. That is, shooting percentage as compared to your previous seasons.

[PSA2Pac]

Article on ESPN today
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...s?platform=amp

Nothing earth shattering but an okay read. We knew Doncic was at odds with Carlisle though.

Was hoping he’d be able to go tonight against the Lakers but sounds like he’s still out

[Athey49]

Originally Posted by PSA2Pac

Article on ESPN today
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...s?platform=amp

Nothing earth shattering but an okay read. We knew Doncic was at odds with Carlisle though.

Was hoping he’d be able to go tonight against the Lakers but sounds like he’s still out

Take a drink every time you read a quote from an unnamed source

[drobfan8]

Originally Posted by tjforce

One of my observations previously is how a number of people care more about watching Luka put up stats than winning. It's not just Luka... last night I saw 2 people celebrating Trae's big stat night..... in a loss to Houston.

As a fan, I don't get that. And as a collector, you eventually need wins to go along with those numbers if you want the respect and accolades. Luka is putting up 26/8/8 this season. Trae 27/4/9. If that's accompanied by strong defense, clutch performances to close out games, and a top 2 record, you're talking about being at the top of the MVP conversation. But instead you are talking about to .500 teams and their names are not even to be discussed at the top of the mix right now.

Agreed. The love to point to gaudy counting stats. I do remember Bron fans doing that a lot, whilst missing the point that, when it's winning time he didn't come through and it was someone else's fault. It's happening with Luka also.

The fanaticals are what turns people off certain players more than the player sometimes.

I'd rather see Luka with 22/7/7 and more wins. Although him getting injured the first time slowed their progress a bit as they started well. The 2 recent wins were huge and needed.

[TSonn]

Originally Posted by drobfan8

Agreed. The love to point to gaudy counting stats. I do remember Bron fans doing that a lot, whilst missing the point that, when it's winning time he didn't come through and it was someone else's fault. It's happening with Luka also.

The fanaticals are what turns people off certain players more than the player sometimes.

I'd rather see Luka with 22/7/7 and more wins. Although him getting injured the first time slowed their progress a bit as they started well. The 2 recent wins were huge and needed.

Doesn't Luka already have more game winning jumpers than LeBron?

[KhalDrogo]

Originally Posted by TSonn

Doesn't Luka already have more game winning jumpers than LeBron?

Luka has three game winners including playoffs. I believe LeBron has seven. All three were threes, which is second all-time behind VC with five.

[drobfan8]

Originally Posted by TSonn

Doesn't Luka already have more game winning jumpers than LeBron?

Haha, that's what you got out of that. Lol..

Luka has 0 Playoff series wins. Let's focus on that.

I have his best game winner in NFT form. Let's hope they're a thing still in 10 years time.

[blackbears86]

Originally Posted by sbradley440214

I'm the biggest Luka fan there is, but the last two wins are a glaring view of how important team defense is, and how terrible Luka is at defense. He's slow, lazy and his effort shows. If his offense isn't falling or he's not getting calls, his emotions control his defense and his offense. It's really not good. He's young and talented, but now low stamina and high emotions.

The team also responds well to a team defensive effort. It's infections. Porzingis looking like Mutombo, DFS and Green everywhere on the court. Lots of hustle and effort. With Luka on the court, lots of stagnancy and players watching Luka play one-on-one.

The inside-out with Porzingis has been beautiful, and he's shown it really motivates him on both ends to be the focal point on offense.

Again, Luka is incredible - but just as much as he is the hero when the team wins, he's responsible when they lose. I called out the role players for missing shots and held them accountable, but without a game-flow it's tough for that rhythm to develop instead of watching Luka dribble around for 22 seconds. Also, the defensive efforts led to easy buckets which helps all players become motivated.

Luka needs to take his conditioning seriously, as well as his emotions and defensive effort. That is what has shot this team in the foot.

excellent post.

[Onepocketj]

Rough loss in OT

[KhalDrogo]

Originally Posted by Onepocketj

Rough loss in OT

Wonder how drob and the troll gang will blame fat Luka for this one.

[KhalDrogo]

Originally Posted by Athey49

Take a drink every time you read a quote from an unnamed source

Should we drink for this too? It’s no surprise Rick is struggling with Indiana.

[armoursave]

Originally Posted by Onepocketj

Rough loss in OT

Time to fire the coach…

[drobfan8]

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

Wonder how drob and the troll gang will blame fat Luka for this one.

Lol.

Man I own a lot of real estate in that head of yours. You sure are insecure..

How did they get so close when they're all so trash according to you???

You can't handle anything mildly negative towards Luka. It's hilarious. Let it go child. Let it go.

[drobfan8]

I would have thought Luka fanaticals would have been happy to see his "trash" teammates actually starting to get it together.

Sure they're still horrific from 3, but at least that's something you can probably find via trade or free agency.

Getting another star is a lot tougher.

This team will be rolling come Playoff time. Triggered fanboiz or not.

[KhalDrogo]

Originally Posted by drobfan8

Sure they're still horrific from 3, but at least that's something you can probably find via trade or free agency.

Comments like this just show how clueless you are. I always wonder how well the loudmouths like you actually pay attention to what the Mavs franchise have done since Luka arrived. And now I know for certain.

[drobfan8]

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

Comments like this just show how clueless you are. I always wonder how well the loudmouths like you actually pay attention to what the Mavs franchise have done since Luka arrived. And now I know for certain.

Lol.

Ok cupcake.

Kisses.

[KhalDrogo]

Originally Posted by drobfan8

Lol.

Ok cupcake.

Kisses.

True to form. Never change buddy.