The 2024 NBA Playoffs have been a struggle at times for Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic. In the first round against the Los Angeles Clippers, he suffered a knee sprain and battled through an illness. He didn’t miss a game, but his production was not at the level we are used to seeing.
It was more of the same in Game 1 of the Dallas Mavericks’ Western Conference semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Luka Doncic struggled, shooting 6-of-19 from the field and 1-of-8 from 3-point range in a 117-95 loss.
But, something clicked on Thursday night for Game 2. His first shot attempt of the evening was a swish, setting the tone for himself and his team in what would end up being a big night. The Mavericks are heading back to Dallas for Games 3 and 4 with some positive momentum.
They picked up a big Game 2 victory, winning 119-110 to even the series at one victory apiece. Luka Doncic was a driving force behind the success, scoring 29 points with 10 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and one block in 41:11 on the court.
“It was just my mentality,” said Doncic. “I think today was one of the hardest game I had to play. I’m battling out there. I try and do my best to help [the] team win with just my mentality. Have a great start, and then the team’s going to follow me.”
It was nice to see his efficiency return, as Doncic shot 11-of-21 from the field. He was an impressive 5-of-8 from 3-point range, as he found his shooting touch at the perfect time with Kyrie Irving having an off night shooting the ball.
Irving was 2-for-8 from the field, but he did hand out a playoff career-high tying 11 assists. A few of those assists went to P.J. Washington, who tied Doncic with a team-high 29 points scored. He also pulled down 11 rebounds with four assists, two steals and one block.
“P.J. was amazing,” Doncic said. “We went to him the first play. We’ve got to do that more. We’ve got to give him the ball more.”
The Dallas Mavericks will look to keep this momentum going in Game 3 on Saturday afternoon back at home. The game will tip-off at 3:30 p.m. ET.
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