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‘Luka Doncic is wired like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Larry Bird and Kobe Bryant’: Rick Carlisle compares his franchise star’s mentality to some of the NBA’s greats

Advait Jajodia
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'Luka Doncic is wired like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Larry Bird and Kobe Bryant': Rick Carlisle compares his franchise star's mentality to some of the NBA's greats

Rick Carlisle has some rave reviews for Luka Doncic, comparing his ‘wiring’ to that of NBA’s greats like LeBron James, Larry Bird and Kobe Bryant.

There is no one who hasn’t been mesmerized by Luka Doncic’s game. For over the past 3 years, Luka has proven to be a lethal offensive threat who can score the ball at will and get his teammates involved.

On Tuesday night, Doncic had an outstanding performance to defeat Jayson Tatum and the Celtics. The 6-foot-7 point guard had two phenomenal clutch shots to steal a 110-107 win from the Boston Celtics.

His game-high 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists left many speechless after an incredible performance.  Rick Carlise said:

“The wiring of people like Luka Doncic, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant, guys that have this laser-like focus in these situations, it’s difficult to explain how their mind[s] work.”

“But from what I’ve seen over the years — and this is over three decades now — as the game gets tighter and the moment gets bigger, their focus is only on one thing, and that is succeeding with whatever the team needs; whether it’s the perfect pass for the assist, whether it’s great shot-making.”

Also Read: “It’s like playing chess”: Luka Doncic sounds off on how to generate elite offense after hitting a game-winner against Boston Celtics

‘He’s a very rare breed of player’: Rick Carlisle on Luka Doncic

Very few players can achieve what Doncic has been doing only in his 3rd season. Doncic is trending towards another All-NBA First Team selection with his improved play this year.

Post the Celtics-Mavericks game, Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle called Doncic a ‘rare breed of player’. He also added:

“As the game gets tighter and the moment gets bigger, [Doncic’s] focus is only on one thing: And that is succeeding with whatever the team needs. I’ve seen this time and time again and been victimized as a coach when guys like Kobe have hit shots. He’s a very rare breed of player. Not only does he have the laser-like focus, but he has the desire and all the tools to deliver.”

Also Read: “Without Anthony Davis, the Lakers have no rim protection and give up uncontested 3s”: Shannon Sharpe goes off on LeBron James and co. in AD’s absence

After a difficult home victory, the Mavericks will be on a three-game road trip. Two of those games are against the top two teams of the East – Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets.

About the author

Advait Jajodia

Advait Jajodia

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Advait Jajodia, a seasoned NBA journalist, has had a passion for the game for over a decade. His journey from admiring Kobe Bryant's precision to being in awe of Stephen Curry's long-range mastery instilled a profound understanding of basketball. With a background as a two-time National-level player, Advait uses his experience on the hardwood to offer insightful analysis. Over three years of dedicated sports journalism has equipped the 21-year-old with a unique perspective, reflected in his prolific portfolio of 3,350+ articles.

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