The Dallas Mavericks won an awfully well-contested game against the Lakers tonight. Shaquille O’Neal took note of Luka Doncic’s performance and called him one of the only two players on the team who are capable of making their own shots. O’Neal’s praise is backed by statistics. Luka has definitely carried his team through a competitive Western Conference.
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Shaq’s comments were influenced by Mavericks’ most recent demonstration. The game almost slipped from their grasp on several occasions. But a few key shots from Spencer Dinwiddie and Doncic kept them alive. Two OTs later, Dallas triumphed over shell shocked gold and purples.
After the game, Shaquille O’Neal debated about the Mavericks offense. O’Neal and Chuck had a an interesting disagreement.
Shaquille O’Neal argues with Charles Barkley about Spencer Dinwidde
Surprisingly, a lot of players played well for the Mavericks today. Three players registered 20+ points, while Dinwiddie also had 17 points.
After the game, Shaquille O’Neal claimed Dinwiddie was the only player other than Luka Doncic who is capable of creating his own shots. Dinwiddie made some clutch shots in his last game. Despite a poor shooting show, he scored points when they mattered.
Charles Barkley disagreed with O’Neal by also naming Tim Hardaway Jr as one of the good shot creators in Dallas. But Shaq immediately shut down Chuck.
Shaq spitting.
Shaq: Spencer Dinwiddie is the only other player that can create a shot for himself.
Charles: Tim Hardaway Jr can
Shaq: No he cannot. Tim Hardaway Jr is a stand still shooter.
— Bibs (@BibsCorner) January 13, 2023
To be fair to Chuck, Tim played relatively well today. He scored 22 points and had 8 rebounds. However, he shot just 9 of his 21 field goals and was 3 for 11 from the three-point line. Alongside Luka, he is the most valued ranged shooter for the Mavs. His poor shooting definitely impacted the team’s performance.
Luka Doncic strengthens his case for the MVP award
Luka has been beyond exceptional this season. It’s hard to believe he is only 23. His accomplishments and skills certainly make him seem like a generational veteran. Perhaps it’s the cut-throat European basketball that has molded him into a warrior.
Luka is good and he thumbing his nose at the league. After claiming it was easier to score in NBA, he is now determined to prove his point. He is currently leading the league in points per game and total points scored. If he can manage to continue this run, he will likely end the season with his first MVP award.
