Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has improved his defensive abilities over the past two seasons—so much that his teammates are starting to make jokes at his expense. After the Mavericks’ 132-91 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, Naji Marshall joked that Doncic could earn an All-Defensive First Team honor this season.
Talking to reporters after the game, Marshall shared his thoughts about Doncic’s defense. While initially joking about it, the newest player in the Mavericks roster acknowledged how hard the star from Slovenia plays on the defensive end despite being called “subpar.”
“First Team All-Defense, that’s it,” Marshall said. “He plays hard, man. He knows the game. He’s a master of it. He knows what he’s doing out there, and he definitely can defend. People underrate that, but he’s definitely a good defender, for sure.”
Naji Marshall on Luka Dončić’s defense:
“First Team All-Defense, that’s it. He plays hard, man. He knows the game—he’s a master of it. He knows what he’s doing out there, and he definitely can defend. People underrate that, but he’s definitely a good defender, for sure.” pic.twitter.com/P3XEUBr3Na
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) November 20, 2024
Luka Doncic promised to be better after his defensive botch that led to the Mavericks’ 115-113 loss to the Utah Jazz last Thursday. The five-time NBA All-Star guard’s lateral movement has been impeded by a bruised right knee.
He missed Dallas’ game against the OKC Thunder on Sunday, giving him time to nurse his injury. The Mavericks won, 121-119.
In his return on Tuesday, Doncic played solid defense against the Pelicans while also being offensively fluid. He finished the game with 26 points on 10-for 16-shooting from the field including 3-for-8 from the three-point area, five rebounds, and five assists.
Doncic remains the key figure in Dallas’ NBA finals aspirations. However, they are off to a slow start this season, currently tied with three other teams for the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings with an 8-7 record.
If Luka Doncic can remain consistent in both ends of the court, then the Mavericks can keep their winning streak going.
Luka Doncic shares key to Mavericks’ win over the Pelicans
After the game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Luka Doncic acknowledged the Dallas Mavericks’ slow start to the 2024-25 NBA season. He knew that they had to play better to get their flow back. He also said he wants the team to have the right pace and energy for their following games.
“Just playing with pace and energy,” Doncic said. “We’ve kind of been known for slow starts this season, so we’re trying to improve that. Coming out with good defense and pace on offense was key.”
Luka Dončić on the Mavericks getting off to a hot start against the Pelicans:
“Just playing with pace and energy. We’ve kind of been known for slow starts this season, so we’re trying to improve that. Coming out with good defense and pace on offense was key.” pic.twitter.com/qjReRP9uYT
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) November 20, 2024
The Mavericks are set to go on a three-game road campaign. They will first visit the Ball Arena for an Emirates NBA Cup group match against the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Then on Sunday, they will fly southeast to play against the Miami Heat, and their last stop will be the State Farm Arena to face the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.
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