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Relationship Update: Luka Doncic Prides Not Getting Into Trouble With Devin Booker

Published 02/09/2024, 7:41 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Talking about the next generation of basketball, the conversation often starts with a 24-year-old superstar. The Dallas Mavericks‘ Luka Doncic has really mastered the game at a young age. His fine talent with the uncontrolled desire to always compete and win has labeled him as one of the best players in the entire world.

Doncic is simply breathtaking when on the floor. He has that ‘killer’ every legend talks about, a character associated with greats like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. The Slovenian can manage between those two sides naturally. One is a playful and jolly character, and the other is a fierce competitor who is completely locked in and unshakeable in front of anyone.

There is another who matches his personality and often clashes with the All-Star guard. It’s Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns. This new-age rivalry has seen several instances of confrontations and heated moments. However, Luka Magic remembers their quietest meeting of all.

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Luka Doncic opens up on his relationship with Devin Booker

Doncic recently made a second appearance on JJ Reddick’s The Old Man & The Three. During the podcast, while discussing a multitude of topics, the former Clippers guard asked Doncic about his character on the court. He described it as both him being fun but then instantly switching into a “psycho”, something Doncic said isn’t easy.

When pondering over his dual nature, the 6’8″ guard had no sensible explanation. To him, it was a natural state of mind. His emotions waving in the direction basketball takes him.

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Reddick, having the perfect acumen, introduced someone who brings out that ‘psycho’ in Doncic regularly – Devin Booker.

Over the past times, we have seen these two new-age stars clash and butt heads almost every time. There is trash talk, high intensity, and a night of vengeful basketball. When thinking of this rivalry, most times you think of it being nasty. From the first look, the only deduction made is they despise each other.

USA Today via Reuters

However, in their most recent meeting, we saw something heartwarming. Doncic had just welcomed his daughter into the world. After a few days from the moment, Luka Doncic faced the Suns. Booker was of course in the lineup ready to compete with his nemesis once again. Only this time it wasn’t bitter.

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Before the game began, Book approached Doncic peacefully. “Congrats on your daughter, bro,” he told the 24-year-old, who instantly lit up with a smile. The moment might have shaped the reputation Doncic has of their relationship. He described it as “good” since they didn’t get into any sort of altercation the last time they faced each other. “I told him for one time it’s not us,” revealed the Mavericks starlet on The Old Man & The Three, resulting in Reddick laughing.

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The love-hate bond Doncic and Devin Booker share is exactly the kind of enticing rivalry the NBA needs from the new generation. Each time they face each other, fans watch in anticipation. They might not be best friends, but they propel each other to bring out their best. Luka Doncic and Booker both have had those moments of relishing victory over the other. That’s the sensation that charges them.

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From their natures alone, it’s clear they will soon clash again. It’s about having that victory over the other that they cherish. The latest might have been a sweet meeting. But for the next time, everyone is asking themselves, when will they tap into their ‘psycho’ sides?

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Having composed close to 2000 articles, he aspires to manage his own team one day and is pursuing a top-tier college-level management program specializing in sports. Anuj's love for basketball blossomed after he started following the NBA a few years ago, and he decided to merge his writing skills with his understanding of this thrilling game.
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Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja