The Chicago Bulls will try to shake off a three-game skid against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, as point guard Kris Dunn and head coach Jim Boylen are aware of his ascent as one of the NBA's biggest stars.
Doncic has quickly emerged from Rookie of the Year winner to one of the early favorites to run for the title of Most Valuable Player. The Slovenian wonder is posting near-triple-double numbers with no signs of slowing down, something Dunn and company have noticed:
“He got everybody in the country talking about him,” said Kris Dunn, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. “That's a credit to him and his work. I think the organization and coaching staff put him in a great position to be successful.”
The Mavs greatly accelerated their rebuild upon trading up for the No. 3 pick on draft night, quickly gaining an heir to the franchise during Dirk Nowitzki's farewell season.
Some in the Bulls organization have been impressed as to how fast Luka Doncic has been able to grasp the speed of the NBA game:
“People talk about he plays at his own pace,” said Jim Boylen. “I think the game is real slow for him. And once he feels you, he’s got you. Great players do that.
“The other thing that’s amazing is I’ve never seen him run from a late-game opportunity to win the game.”
Dunn will likely be tasked with slowing down Doncic despite giving up a few inches and more than a few pounds of difference — another challenge he will cherish, as he has throughout the course of this season as one of the top defenders in the NBA. The Bulls are hoping Dunn's defense will help lead them to a much-needed victory over the Mavs in Dallas.
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