Despite having previously received four selections for the All-NBA First Team, Dallas Mavericks standout Luka Doncic has kept improving. Through 48 games this season, he has averaged 34.3 points, 9.6 assists, and 8.8 rebounds. In his appearances, he has a 30-18 record.
Superstar Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns is one of many people that value Doncic’s contributions to the basketball court. Even at the age of 24, Durant said that Doncic had “mastered the game”. It’s understandable why, considering that in three games versus the Suns this season, Doncic averaged 41.7 points, 11.7 assists, and 7.7 rebounds with shooting splits of.526/.474/.871.
Kevin Durant’s thoughts on Luka Doncic
Following the Suns’ 132-109 victory over the Mavs on January 24, Durant stated:
“He’s advanced, bright, brilliant basketball mind that could almost manipulate everything out there on the court,” “The IQ is just through the roof. I mean, at that age, 23, 24? I feel like he’s mastered the game.”
“That’s the highest compliment anybody can play pay you to say they mastered the game,”
“Luka probably feels he needs to improve at other parts of the game. But as someone who is playing against him, I think it’s tough to limit him or force him anywhere. He pretty much dictates everything.”
Durant, who has now faced Doncic in 13 games, said that the player “pretty much dictates everything” offensively, making it difficult to put him in difficult circumstances in an attempt to limit him.
“You can’t be as physical with him because he is just so crafty. That is half the battle on defense; being physical,”
“[We] try to dictate where the offensive player goes, but he dictates what he wants. [He] plays at his pace and can make every shot.”
Doncic is a 6-foot-7 guard with a powerful build who possesses a unique set of talents. Whether a wing, guard, or big man, he dismantles defenses with his deft handling, sophisticated use of pace, and explosive step-back three-point shot. Along with his amazing finishing footwork and ability to create short- and mid-range shots, defenses need to take that into consideration.