SUMMARY
- Luka Doncic recorded 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists to give the Mavericks a 3-2 lead over the Thunder.
- Doncic has the fifth most 30-point triple-doubles in NBA playoff history.
The odds are slowly creeping into the Dallas Mavericks’ court and Luka Doncic needs to do everything he can to push the team in the Western Conference Finals. Things haven’t been extremely great in the Mavericks camp especially with Kyrie Irving’s lacklustre presence on the floor this series. However, Dallas focuses on bringing the next man up which is why they were able to take a 3-2 lead against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
OKC found it hard to counter every punch that was thrown by the Mavericks and the latter took on a double-digit lead from the second quarter onwards. Doncic finished with an incredible stat line of 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. PJ Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. stepped up and combined for 39 points. Dereck Lively II came off the bench and recorded a double-double. OKC simply wasn’t making enough shots to get past the Mavericks.
Luka Doncic dishes a hilarious response to a Game 5 coincidence
Towards the end of the first-round series, Luka Doncic entered an awkward slump where he shot only 16.3% from deep over the course of five to six games. However, he has since picked up a lot of pace as his injury hasn’t bothered him too much. His last dominant 30-point showing was against the LA Clippers in Game 5. Doncic recorded 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
A reporter brought up this bizarre coincidence and Luka’s response had everybody giggling. He said, “Knock on wood. That’s what we do in Slovenia.” Interestingly, with his recent performance, Doncic now ranks fifth in most 30-point playoff triple-doubles in NBA history. LeBron James tops the list with 15, followed by Nikola Jokic and Oscar Robertson with eight, and Russell Westbrook with 6. Doncic has recorded three so far.
Luka Doncic reveals what changed in Game 5
Despite being the star of Game 5, Luka Doncic did not fail to acknowledge the efforts of his teammates. “The whole team stepped up. I couldn’t do it without my teammates. Everybody that came on the floor gave 100% energy. We play as a team, we win as a team, we lose as a team.” He went on to praise how well the roster comes together despite it being five months since acquiring Washington and Daniel Gafford. Both individuals have been monumental figures in the playoffs for the Mavericks.
Luka Doncic:
“When they chant Luka sucks, it gets me going.”
(via @NBATV, h/t @ClutchPoints) pic.twitter.com/VXiT9wCuOF
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 16, 2024
He also addressed the changes that he made which helped him perform better by saying, “I wasn’t focused [on] if I’m going to make three or two, or one. I was focused on playing basketball. Having fun out there, playing with my teammates, and just [winning] the game.” The Mavericks have a chance to eliminate OKC in Game 6 at the American Airlines Center. Playing at home will certainly be a huge motivating factor in the Mavericks run.