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Dec 17, 2020; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Imago
Dec 17, 2020; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Luka Doncic has not had the best start to the new NBA season. The Dallas Mavericks star has looked sluggish and slow, as his team has had a poor 1-3 start to the new NBA season. People have questioned Doncic’s physique, with many believing that he is not in the best shape to start the new season. Doncic himself has agreed with those doubts, as he reflected on the Mavs’ start.
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Luka Doncic addresses his fitness
Luka Doncic spoke to the press after the Mavericks loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Doncic believes that he has been fatigued since the new season started but did not use that as an excuse for his poor start. He said, “I just think my legs are really tired, but it’s not an excuse.”
Luka Doncic: "I just think my legs are really tired, but it’s not an excuse." He has acknowledged that he's playing his way into shape after the short offseason.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 31, 2020
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Doncic, much like the rest of the NBA, had very little time to recover between the post-season and the start of the new season. As the new season kicked off, Doncic has not looked like himself. He has looked slower, and his defensive prowess has gone down.
Doncic has still been an offensive juggernaut despite his lack of match fitness. He averaged 27 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists in his first three games despite two of them being losses. Luka looked close to his best during the Mavericks-Clippers game, where the Mavs blew out the Clippers by 51 points.
Doncic’s MVP chances are slipping
For Doncic, he must improve his shape and form this season if he is to meet expectations. Doncic is tipped to win MVP this year by many analysts, after having had two excellent NBA seasons. Doncic was the 2019 Rookie of the Year, and last season, he became an All-Star for the first time and was even a starter in the game.
For his excellent performances, Doncic made the All-NBA first team, alongside elite players like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. In addition to this, he also led the Mavericks to the seventh seed in the Western Conference. Doncic was able to get his first playoff experience playing against the LA Clippers.
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Dec 27, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) is fouled by Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverley (21) as he drives to the basket in the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
In the playoffs, Doncic shocked people with how well he played. This included his incredible game-winner against the Clippers. But without Kristaps Porzingis, Doncic didn’t have enough to get past the Clippers on his own, but he still made a statement with his performances.
Perhaps Doncic can play himself back into shape as the season goes on. He will have to improve if he wants to win the MVP trophy like many expect him to because his current skill level will not be enough to get him the award this year.
