Dallas Mavericks point forward Luka Doncic admits he was surprised how well he played during his rookie season in the NBA with the Mavs in 2018-19.

Doncic is a finalist for the 2019 Rookie of the Year award and the heavy favorite to win the award over Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young.

“I didn’t expect it at all. I didn’t know I was going to play so well. I knew I could play but not [that I could play] so well,” Doncic said on his performances to Lucio Angulo of Spanish network Movistar+, during the Spanish ACB League playoffs game of Real Madrid against Manresa.

The Mavs missed the playoffs in 2018-19, but Doncic put on a show from start to finish. The 20-year-old averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists while shooting 42.7 percent from the field, 32.7 percent from beyond the arc and 71.3 percent from the free-throw line.

Doncic recorded 24 double-doubles and eight triple-doubles. The Mavs' floor general led all rookies in points per game and was second in assists per game.

The Mavs can't wait to deploy Doncic and power forward Kristaps Porzingis on the floor together next season. Porzingis has recovered from the ACL tear he suffered with the New York Knicks during the 2017-18 season. The Mavs are hoping Doncic and KP can lead the franchise to the playoffs.