After their brutal Game 1 loss to the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals, Luka Doncic knows that the Dallas Mavericks have to change some things in order to tie the series and make it more competitive. Having said that, the Slovenian superstar has a pretty good idea of what they need to do.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, a day before Game 2 on Sunday, Doncic pointed out that the Mavericks need to be more aggressive if they want to bounce back from their brutal showing in Game 1. For those who missed it, Dallas suffered an 18-point blowout, 107-89, in the NBA Finals opener.
“We need to be more aggressive. We came out with little energy, so we have to be better with our energy, especially from the start,” Doncic shared, per EuroHoops.
However, Doncic clarified that it's a reminder not only for the rest of the team but also for himself. While he finished Game 1 with 30 points and 10 rebounds–becoming the first player since Tim Duncan in 1999 to have a 30-point double-double in their NBA Finals debut–Doncic knows very well that there is another level he can reach in a game.
“I think I gotta be a little more aggressive,” Doncic said, via Bobby Manning of CLNS.
True enough, as Doncic mentioned, the Mavericks need to have a little bit more energy and show more fight, particularly at the start of the game. The Mavericks actually trailed by as much as 29 points in the first half of Game 1, with the Celtics building off a 37-20 opening quarter.
Dallas did show that they can go toe-to-toe with the Celtics after cutting their lead to just eight points in the third quarter. Unfortunately, they quickly cooled down as well and allowed Boston to regain a 20-point advantage heading to the final period.
Now, if the Mavericks can start like how they played in the third quarter and sustain it for the most part, then they will have a fighting chance.
“We talked about it, but we just have to stay together and talk more on the court than we did in Game 1. That’s something I need to improve on as well,” Doncic said on what else they can work on after being asked about the hostile environment in Boston.
Luka Doncic relishing opportunity to fight for Mavericks
Despite their Game 1 struggles, Luka Doncic and the Mavericks are not panicking. The 25-year-old star, in fact, is relishing the opportunity to represent the team that drafted him on the biggest stage.
While he knows they have a lot of work to do, Doncic is motivated to lead the Mavericks to the promised land. He also shared his hope that the 2024 Finals won't be the last time they would be on the said stage.
“It's big, that the team that drafted and believed in me. I'm really happy to represent Dallas, hopefully not for the last time. I think all of Dallas is proud of our team,” Doncic added.
Considering the way Doncic has been playing and how he has elevated his game every year, it certainly won't be a surprise to see him and the Mavericks continue to compete for the title in the years to come.
For now, though, Doncic and the Mavericks' focus is on the title that is very well within their reach.
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