The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night behind a 24-point, 10 rebound performance from Luka Doncic. It wasn't a career night for the Slovenian, but he sure impressed Kevin Durant.
KD recently spoke on his podcast the ETCs about what it was like to guard Doncic, via Sportscenter:
“His pace is so incredible to me..he act like he dont have no athleticism and he can't get around you..he be trying to trick people…you gotta be on point with that dude.”
Guarding Luka Doncic is no easy task and KD knows it. pic.twitter.com/wUYyuGtLRh
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 8, 2021
That definitely sounds like Doncic. Although he isn't the most physically gifted player, his ability to find the smallest of lanes to the hoop are second to none. Kevin Durant is no pushover defensively, either, so the fact that Doncic is turning his head is a testament to the talent he is.
Doncic has single-handedly propelled the Mavs to fifth place in the Western Conference thanks to another tremendous campaign. The third-year pro is averaging 28.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.7 dimes per night. From draining game-winning threes to dazzling oppositions with his nifty handles, the 22-year-old can truly do it all.
Durant, on the other hand, has played just 30 games in 2020/21, but he's still dropping 28 per game as Brooklyn eyes a title run. However, they will be looking to break out of a four-game losing skid on Saturday night against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.
It's always refreshing when two of the best in the game have the utmost respect for one another. And like Kevin Durant learned earlier this week, you can't miss a beat when guarding Luka Doncic or else, he'll leave you in the dust.
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