Dončić shows the nuances of Dirk Nowitzki in several ways
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Just before he received one rebound and two assists from the triple-double in the Mavs’ final game against Utah last week, Luka Dončić stopped when he returned to the locker room after warming up before the game.
He signed autographs, as he almost always does, to fans huddled around the tunnel.
And then he took a step forward.
He noticed that a security guard in the stands prevented a group of four people dressed in suit no. 77 Mavs that she didn’t get to where we could also get a signature.
Instead of giving a few quick autographs and rushing off to finish preparations for the most important playoff game (yet) in his career, Luka waved to the referee.
He motioned for the fans to come down.
Then he waited and signed for each of them as well.
I have witnessed a few superstars take the time and initiative for such interaction, especially before big matches.
Shades of Dirk Nowitzki, for sure.
In addition to winning his first series of NBA playoff finals in the same city as Dirk in 2001, Luka earned another medal this week, highlighting his off-court service.
The NBA League announced this week that Dončić is one of 10 finalists for the 2021-22 Seasonlong NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his influence this year in North Texas and Slovenia.
Some memories of Dončić’s many good works:
- Renovation of public basketball courts in his hometown of Ljubljana, Slovenia, right after he took his national team to the historic Olympic finish line and hosted a dedication day with activities for children.
- Surprisingly 80 patients and healthcare professionals at Children’s Health in Dallas and Plan with sneakers, Jordan equipment, signed photos, letters and pizzas with pepperoni no. 77, adapted to dietary needs.
- Shipping holiday gifts to 200 patients in the children’s hospital in Slovenia with vouchers for several purchases after discharge.
- Establishment of the Luka Dončić Foundation in the Dallas area in cooperation with its Slovenian non-profit organization to help children in the fight against diseases and other serious circumstances.
- Meeting with Make-A-Wish participants at the Mavs Games by restoring personal contact during a coronavirus pandemic.
Undoubtedly, this weekend – and perhaps next week – fans will be most focused on basketball results as Luka tries to pull the Mavs out of the hole in the second round 0-2 against the best Suns in the NBA and extend the most winning season of his four so far in Dallas .
But when Luke, for example, chooses the Suns ’defensive mismatch with a reversal, the one-legged, for example, fades, know that this isn’t the only way he wants to emulate Dirk’s legacy.
Photo of the week
Doncic deets
Luka’s playoff statistics 2022: 33.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.0 steals; 50% FG, 39.2% 3FG, 79.5% FT at 37.8 mpg
Best of the week: With 45 points in the 1st game against the Suns and 35 in the 2nd game, Luka averaged 33.5 points per game in the playoffs, beating Michael Jordan 33.45 for the best score among all the players who competed in the at least 10 post-season competitions.
Now he he needs a few other Mavs to join him in the offensive production party.
Note the following: The Mavs have never faced a 0-2 series deficit in Luka’s three playoff games – so far. In the 439 series of the NBA playoffs of the best of the seven, which started 2-0, only 31 teams (7.1%) overcame the deficit to advance, but Luke doesn’t care about odds.
“We believe, man,” he said he said after the 2nd game on Wednesday. They have to win four, so it’s not over yet. “
He had defied them several times before.
More Mavericks reports from The Dallas Morning News can be found here.