<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Luka-Doncic-Dallas-facing-harsh-Jalen-Brunson-reality.jpg"></figure><h1>RUMOR: Luka Doncic, Mavs facing harsh Jalen Brunson reality</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2022-01-26T20:08:46-08:00">January 26th, 8:08pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2022-01-26T20:09:25-08:00">January 26th, 8:09pm</time><address><a>Angelo Guinhawa</a>Angelo Guinhawa is a basketball and soccer/football editor/writer. He uses his background in digital marketing to make sure you get to read his work. He has previously worked for FOX Sports PH and a number of reputable sports media outlets. If he's not writing or watching sports, he's likely scouring online for his next NBA card purchase.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>If recent rumors are to be believed, the Dallas Mavericks might be forced to break their pieces surrounding Luka Doncic by the February 10 trade deadline.</p><p>According to <a href="https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-trade-talks-james-harden-ben-simmons-domantas-sabonis-more/" rel="noopener">Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype</a>, there is growing belief around the league that the Mavs would move either Jalen Brunson or Dorian Finney-Smith by the deadline in a bid to avoid the luxury tax. Both players are expected to command a significant increase in salary when they hit free agency, so it will be a difficult task to retain both of their services.</p><p>For what it’s worth, however, the Mavs won’t have a shortage in suitors if they do make the two available. Finney-Smith is said to have generated interest from the likes of the Atlanta Hawks and the Portland Trail Blazers to name a few, while Brunson has <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/jalen-brunson-is-a-perfect-fit-for-knicks/" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> been a target of the New York Knicks.</p><blockquote>A lot of executives around the league expect either Dorian Finney-Smith or Jalen Brunson to be possibly on the move by the trade deadline since it’ll be tough for Dallas to keep both players going forward and avoid the luxury tax. Regarding Finney-Smith, several teams, including the Hawks, Trail Blazers, Pacers, Wizards, Pelicans, and others have kept tabs on him, I’m told.</blockquote><p>It remains to be seen what the Mavs will do with both Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith considering they are both crucial cogs on their offense and defense. Luka Doncic’s chemistry with them is also undeniable, as proven by the team’s solid run recently.</p><p>There have been reports that Brunson would be seeking a $20 million per year salary in free agency, and given the hefty asking price, it might be hard for Dallas to retain him.</p><p>The Mavs certainly have big decisions to make, and they need to make it rather soon with the deadline less than two weeks away,</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

RUMOR: Luka Doncic, Mavs facing harsh Jalen Brunson reality

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Luka-Doncic-Dallas-get-hit-with-brutal-injury-news-to-Tim-Hardaway-Jr.jpeg"></figure><h1>Luka Doncic, Mavs get hit with brutal injury news to Tim Hardaway Jr.</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2022-01-25T22:43:36-08:00">January 25th, 10:43pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2022-01-25T22:43:36-08:00">January 25th, 10:43pm</time><address><a href="https://medium.com/@rpsalao">R.P. Salao</a>Check out my best stuff on Medium - medium.com/@rpsalao.I also post quality NBA YouTube content - tinyurl.com/SalaoYouTube.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Dallas Mavericks lost not just the game against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night – they also lost one of their best players to injury. Tim Hardaway Jr. had to be carried off the playing court after suffering a foot injury.</p><p>The Mavs announced the news shortly after the game.</p><blockquote>Tim Hardaway Jr. suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal on his left foot in tonight’s game at Golden State. Updates will be given when available.</blockquote><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tim Hardaway Jr. suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal on his left foot in tonight’s game at Golden State. Updates will be given when available.</p><p>— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/MavsPR/status/1486194870217629700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">January 26, 2022</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>The injury occurred during a routine drive to the basket as Hardaway Jr. made a move against the Warriors’ Damion Lee. The Mavs guard came up hobbling afterwards and had to be assisted off the playing court.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tim Hardaway Jr. Carried Off The Floor After Non-Contact Injury <a href="https://t.co/8oO4FUVnTc" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/8oO4FUVnTc</a></p><p>— hoops bot (@hoops_bot) <a href="https://twitter.com/hoops_bot/status/1486189597478375426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">January 26, 2022</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tim Hardaway Jr. with serious leg injury <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#NBA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mavs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#Mavs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mavericks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#Mavericks</a> <a href="https://t.co/w2Y5OCzoJV" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/w2Y5OCzoJV</a></p><p>— Breaking Trends News (@breakingtrendsn) <a href="https://twitter.com/breakingtrendsn/status/1486183986867093504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">January 26, 2022</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>Mavs stars Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis both bared their thoughts after the game, choosing to forget the impact the injury will have on the team and rather focus on Tim Hardaway Jr. as a teammate and friend.</p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/CallieCaplan/status/1486212880735162369">Via</a> Callie Caplan:</p><blockquote>“That’s just bad luck, every injury is bad luck,” said Luka Doncic on his Mavs teammate. “It’s sad so we just try to cheer him up.”Kristaps Porzingis on close friend Tim Hardaway Jr.: “He was down at first…But I talked to him now, and he seemed to be in better spirits already.” Said THJ was already quizzing Theo Pinson, who’s had a similar foot injury, about rehab and getting back.</blockquote><p>Mavs backup Theo Pinson had also suffered the same injury in the past, not once but twice. Perhaps speaking to him gave Tim Hardaway Jr. confidence to be able to return this season.</p><p>Pinson dealt with the injury twice during his time with the North Carolina Tar Heels. He had his first experience with the foot injury as a freshman in January of 2015 and was able to return less than two months later.</p><p>The second time lasted a bit longer, hurting his foot in October of 2016 and returning sometime in January, around three months later.</p><p>Hopefully Tim Hardaway Jr.’s recovery can skew towards the former there than the latter as the Mavs battle for playoff positioning <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mavs-3-reasons-behind-luka-doncic-dallas-stunning-midseason-turnaround/">in a crowded Western Conference.</a></p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Luka Doncic, Mavs get hit with brutal injury news to Tim Hardaway Jr.

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3-reasons-behind-Luka-Doncic-Mavs-stunning-midseason-turnaround.jpeg"></figure><h1>3 reasons behind Luka Doncic, Mavs’ stunning midseason turnaround</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2022-01-22T19:35:24-08:00">January 22nd, 7:35pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2022-01-22T19:35:24-08:00">January 22nd, 7:35pm</time><address><a>Mike Cruz</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Dallas Mavericks have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the past month. Led by Luka Doncic, the Mavs are looking more like a team that can be a serious threat in the West. As it stands, the Mavericks hold the no. 5 seed in the conference.</p><p>After falling to a 16-18 record following a last-second loss to the Sacramento Kings, Dallas won 10 of its last 12 games. These include some signature blowout wins over some of the best teams in the league such as the Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, and Memphis Grizzlies.</p><p>Like many teams, the Mavericks went through a rough patch due to COVID-19 issues and injuries. Despite that, Dallas has responded admirably to climb back up in the West standings. Here are three reasons behind the Mavs’ stunning midseason turnaround.</p><h2>Three reasons for Mavs’ midseason turnaround</h2><p><b>1. Defense</b></p><p>Over the last couple of seasons, offense has been the Mavericks’ bread and butter for success. At the time, Dallas posted the best offensive rating in NBA history during the 2019-20 campaign, per <a href="https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/best-offensive-rating-by-a-team-in-nba-history-in-a-single-season">StatMuse</a>. They finished in the top 8 in 2020-21, per <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/advanced/?Season=2020-21&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;sort=OFF_RATING&amp;dir=-1">NBA.com</a>.</p><p>As good as they’ve been offensively over last couple of seasons, that hasn’t been the case this year. Despite having an offensive savant in Luka Doncic running the show, Dallas is in the bottom 10 in offensive rating this season. Their scoring has also dropped from 117.0 two years ago, to 112.4 last season, to just 105.3 per game in 2021-22.</p><p>Surprisingly, however, it has been Dallas’ defense that is fueling its strong surge over the past month. Even though Jason Kidd’s arrival received a ton of scrutiny in the offseason, this team has completely bought in on the defensive side of the floor under him. They’re playing with more energy and intensity and look more connected, especially with their defensive rotations.</p><p>Since the turn of the calendar year, the Mavericks boast <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/advanced/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;sort=DEF_RATING&amp;dir=-1&amp;DateFrom=12%2F31%2F2021">the best defensive rating in the NBA</a>. Dallas is also the only team that has allowed <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/opponent/?sort=OPP_PTS&amp;dir=-1&amp;Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022">less than 100 points per game</a> over this stretch. In addition, they are also <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/opponent/?sort=OPP_FG3_PCT&amp;dir=-1&amp;Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022">first</a> in opponent’s 3-point percentage at 28.0 percent and <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/opponent/?sort=OPP_FG_PCT&amp;dir=-1&amp;Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022">third</a> in opponent’s field goal percentage at 43.0 percent.</p><p>This is a remarkable development because defense hasn’t been Dallas’ strong suit over the last couple of seasons. They finished 18th and 21st in defensive rating in 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively.</p><p>The Mavericks may be struggling on offense right now, but that shouldn’t be much of a concern moving forward. Luka Doncic alone should elevate them. And if their shooters start knocking down their shots, they should be fine on that end of the floor.</p><p>This is why Dallas’ emergence on the defensive end is worth noting. If this holds up the rest of the year and into the postseason, they could etch themselves as serious contenders in the West.</p><p><b>2. Kristaps Porzingis is playing like an All-Star again</b></p><p>Remember the time when Kristaps Porzingis looked like he was on his way out of Dallas? That seems to be a distant memory now. The one-time All-Star wasn’t shy in expressing his frustration with his role over the last couple of years.</p><p>But this season, Porzingis looks like a rejuvenated man with his increased involvement in the Dallas offense. Rather than just waiting in the corner as a stand-still shooter, there is more variety in the kind of shots he is getting. The Slovenian is getting more touches in the post and more opportunities in the pick-and-roll.</p><p>On the season, Porzingis is averaging <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/sports/nba/players/kristaps-porzingis/bae20a61/stats">20.1 points</a>, 8.0 assists, and 1.7 blocks, while shooting 45.5 percent from the field. His numbers and production may be similar to last year. but it’s evident that the former New York Knick is happier with his role under new coach Jason Kidd.</p><p>Health is also one of the reasons for Porzingis’ resurgent campaign. Though he’s already missed 16 games this season, he looks more spry and is able to use his athleticism on both ends of the court. He’s finishing alley-oops, throwing down thunderous dunks, and as such, is also getting to the line more. On defense, Porzingis’ feet look lighter on the perimeter this season. This is a welcome sight for Mavs fans because he was seen as a liability on that side of the floor due to his inability to keep in step with quicker players last year.</p><p>Luka Doncic is obviously the main engine that drives this Dallas squad. But Kristaps Porzingis will be key in how far the Mavericks will go in the playoffs.</p><p><b>3. Jalen Brunson’s breakout season</b></p><p>Another reason for Dallas’ turnaround is the emergence of Jalen Brunson. The Mavericks have long been searching for a secondary playmaker they can pair with Luka Doncic in the backcourt. They may have found that guy in the stocky 6-foot-1 guard.</p><p>COVID-19 derailed the Mavericks throughout December, with the likes of Doncic, Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Reggie Bullock, and Maxi Kleber entering protocols. Despite being incredibly short-handed, Dallas stayed afloat in the Western Conference. Brunson was one of the guys who stepped up and helped steady the ship.</p><p>Doncic missed 10 games from December 12 to 31 due to protocols. During that stretch, Brunson produced All-Star type numbers of <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brunsja01/gamelog/2022#223-232-sum:pgl_basic">21.0 points</a>, 3.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists while shooting 51.3 percent from the field. His play forced Jason Kidd’s hand to make the 25-year old the full-time starter alongside Doncic.</p><p>Brunson’s breakout has given the Mavs another dynamic offensively. Despite being just 6-foot-1, he has a knack of getting inside the shaded area. He’s developed a nice stop and turn mid-range jumper in the lane. Likewise, his ability to break the paint gives more space for the Mavericks’ shooters to launch from the perimeter.</p><p>Jalen Brunson may not be a household name for most NBA fans. But he’s definitely taking the right steps in making himself one for the Mavericks this season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

3 reasons behind Luka Doncic, Mavs’ stunning midseason turnaround

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mavs-news-Luka-Doncic-is-on-Michael-Jordan-path-to-championship-per-Jason-Kidd.jpg"></figure><h1>Mavs star Luka Doncic is on Michael Jordan path to championship, per Jason Kidd</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2022-01-21T18:11:36-08:00">January 21st, 6:11pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2022-01-21T18:11:36-08:00">January 21st, 6:11pm</time><address><a>Angelo Guinhawa</a>Angelo Guinhawa is a basketball and soccer/football editor/writer. He uses his background in digital marketing to make sure you get to read his work. He has previously worked for FOX Sports PH and a number of reputable sports media outlets. If he's not writing or watching sports, he's likely scouring online for his next NBA card purchase.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd believes Luka Doncic is like a young Michael Jordan who is now on the path to winning a championship sooner than later.</p><p>Kidd said as much on Thursday after the Mavs’ <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/scores/nba/boxscore/phoenix-suns-dallas-mavericks-1-21-2022/0308576e-8d78-44cb-bd4e-e55c1c2fb160" rel="noopener">frustrating defeat</a> to the Phoenix Suns after leading for most of the game. Doncic had a near triple-double of 28 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. However, that was not enough as Devin Booker and Chris Paul took over in the clutch to complete their comeback with a 35-19 fourth quarter.</p><p>According to Kidd, Doncic was once like a young Jordan who tried to take down the Detroit Pistons by himself until he got a running mate who made things simple for him. As he sees Luka now, he is making it easy and fun now that he has reliable teammates like Kristaps Porzingis and Jalen Brunson.</p><blockquote>“You look at Michael Jordan when he was young, tried to beat Detroit Pistons by himself and couldn’t do it. Then he [got] a running mate and made it simple. When the great ones make it easy and simple, it becomes fun. You can see that with Luka,” Kidd said, per <a href="https://twitter.com/sixfivelando/status/1484303104250040323" rel="noopener">Landon Thomas of Mavs Fans For Life</a>.</blockquote><p>The Mavs remain at the middle of the Western Conference with their 26-20 record. They have a solid lead against the 6th to 8th seeds, but they are also a little bit behind for the Top 4 seeds in the conference.</p><p>Sure enough, Luka Doncic’s play with Kristaps Porzingis and Jalen Brunson will be crucial for the Mavs moving forward as they look to get past the first round of the postseason and win the Larry O’Brien trophy. As Jason Kidd hinted, though, the Slovenian’s Michael Jordan-like play has him hoping for the best.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Mavs star Luka Doncic is on Michael Jordan path to championship, per Jason Kidd

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Luka-Doncic-Mavs-Chris-Paul-Suns-Monty-Williams.jpg"></figure><h1>Luka Doncic refuses excuse after getting hurt in Mavs’ loss to Chris Paul, Suns</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2022-01-20T21:52:19-08:00">January 20th, 9:52pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2022-01-20T21:57:06-08:00">January 20th, 9:57pm</time><address><a>Paolo Mariano</a>Paolo is a freelance writer, TV producer, and news editor based in Manila, Philippines.  He will debate anyone to death that Penny Hardaway is the real GOAT, and he will work for pizza.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic was having a strong showing against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Until he hurt his neck in the waning moments of the third quarter. They ended up losing a close one at home, 109-101.</p><p>Doncic finished with 28 points but was looked uncomfortable in the fourth quarter, taking only three attempts and scoring only four points. The do-it-all guard also committed eight turnovers. After the game, he sounded frustrated but also tipped his hat to the Suns who snapped the Mavericks’ four-game winning streak (via <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401360501">ESPN</a>).</p><blockquote>“My neck’s not an excuse. But man, they’re the best record in the league. We were right there.”</blockquote><p>Despite the defeat, the Mavericks remain one of the hottest teams in the NBA recently. With Doncic once again <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/sports/nba/players/luka-doncic/b74d0a0c/gamelog">putting up stellar numbers</a>, they are 10-2 in their last 12 games and are now fifth in the Western Conference at 26-20.</p><p>It’s quite impressive that the Mavericks have stayed afloat despite a revolving door of sidelined players, including key guys in Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Tim Hardaway Jr. Even Suns coach Monty Williams, always the classy guy, knows they snagged a huge one over the Mavericks.</p><blockquote>“That’s a team that’s been running through the league here of late. To beat them on their home floor like that is huge.”</blockquote><p>Doncic has had his fair share of tantrums and flare-ups during tough moments, but it seems he’s really learned to become more mature this season and accept accountability. It’s not a coincidence that the Mavericks are having a strong campaign.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Luka Doncic refuses excuse after getting hurt in Mavs’ loss to Chris Paul, Suns

RJ Barrett

Jamal Crawford

Lou Williams

Alex Caruso

Luka Doncic

Julius Randle

Nicolas Batum

Josh Hart

LaMarcus Aldridge

Joakim Noah

2x All-NBA

2x All Star

2019-20 All-NBA

2018-19 ROY

2018-19 All-Rookie

1x All Star

Dallas Mavericks

Career

https://twitter.com/luka7doncic/status/1478836913859706881/

Can’t wait for tonight. So much respect for you @swish41! Thank you for everything. What a player but most importantly what a great person!  #41Forever 💯❤️ 

https://twitter.com/luka7doncic/status/1455015280023908356/

https://twitter.com/luka7doncic/status/1449885645451710465/

https://twitter.com/luka7doncic/status/1449881944448278537/

https://twitter.com/luka7doncic/status/1448839280965652480/

Anybody knows when is Overwatch 2 coming out?😊

https://twitter.com/luka7doncic/status/1442688971193176069/

Have a great night everybody specially to my guy @jalenbrunson1 😊😊😊😂😂😂 #CowboysWin

https://twitter.com/luka7doncic/status/1439294930107740165/

BRAVOO! @SloVolley 🇸🇮🇸🇮🇸🇮🙌🙌🙌

https://twitter.com/luka7doncic/status/1437123939017297923/

2021-22 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
25.2	8.9	8.7	0.4	1.2

2021-22 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
25.2	8.9	8.7	0.4	1.2

Luka
Doncic

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