The Dallas Mavericks dropped an important game on Tuesday versus the Memphis Grizzlies, 133-104. One big reason why the Mavs let this game slip is because their superstar Luka Doncic struggled, only tallying 12 points, five assists and five rebounds.
According to Dallas Morning News reporter Callie Capalan, Doncic finished the game with a game-worst minus-23 on Tuesday. It also didn’t help that Doncic had a scary fall in the second quarter of the game. However, he continued to play but failed to do what he does best: score, help his teammates get into rhythm, and control the pace of the game.
Here's a look at Luka Doncic fall over the advertising board on the baseline.
Hit the ground hard but nice to hear the Memphis crowd cheer when he got up. pic.twitter.com/KRCbwLuzWM
— Nick Angstadt (@NickVanExit) May 12, 2021
Luka Doncic did admit that it was one of the worst games he has ever played. While it may be surprising, Mavs fans or Doncic fans shouldn’t be concerned after what transpired.
Here’s why Doncic and the Mavs will be just fine:
3. Superstars have bad games, too
The rising superstar was due for a bad performance after playing superb in the past couple of games. Doncic has carried the Mavs to the fifth seed of the competitive Western Conference standings, averaging 28.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game. The thing with Doncic is he makes a difference in a number of ways every game, so when he’s struggling, many aspects about what the Mavs do are highly affected.
The @memgrizz's 29-point win over Dallas tonight represents the team's second-largest margin of victory in the all-time regular season series with the Mavericks (100 games). pic.twitter.com/XnYw4rJNby
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) May 12, 2021
But the good news is, this is likely not going to happen again. Superstars always find ways to bounce back when they have a bad night and Doncic has proven numerous times why he’s one of the best players in the league.
2. The Mavs have room to bounce back
With Tuesday’s loss, the Mavs move into a tie with the Portland Trail Blazers who have the tiebreaker. As of writing, the Blazers are now on the fifth seed and the Mavs occupy the sixth seed.
The Mavs, however, have an easier schedule compared to the Blazers as they are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto Raptors (who have been resting their starters recently) and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Reply with your favorite @luka7doncic nickname: pic.twitter.com/8SXuekx4Fd
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) May 12, 2021
These next few games won’t be difficult for the Mavs. They can use this to get their rhythm back, find the right rotations and get into a winning momentum before gearing up for the playoffs.
1. Luka Doncic always has an answer after a bad night
Doncic may be a young player, but he has proven he has what it takes to bounce back, no matter the circumstance. Take last season’s series versus the Los Angeles Clippers, for example. Despite the Clippers intimidating the young superstar, Doncic found ways to carry his team—his incredible game winning 3-point shot in Game 4 of that series proves just that.
Luka Doncic levels the series for the Mavericks against the Clippers with a sensational game winner! 🔥 #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/I3Rm9we2lF
— SportingMatrix (@Sporting_Matrix) August 23, 2020
The 22-year-old has the experience no professional should have at such a young age. He has gone through the ups and downs and will certainly bounce back in the next coming games. The good news for Doncic and the Mavs is that they are likely going to avoid the play-in, which they’ve strongly made it clear that they’re opposed to.
If the Mavs can finish the season with a winning momentum at the fifth seed, then their chances are great heading into the postseason.
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