Basketball

It was one of the hardest game I had to play – Luka Doncic after Game 2 win against Oklahoma City Thunder

Dallas Mavericks’ talisman Luka Doncic admitted that the second game of the Western Conference semifinal was the hardest he has played in his career. Doncic isn’t in the best shooting form and was playing with a sprained right knee.

Doncic scored 29 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists to help the Dallas Mavericks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-110 on Thursday night and even the Western Conference semifinals at 1-1.

“It was just my mentality,” said Doncic, who also recorded 10 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a blocked shot. “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.”

Doncic was able to hit the ground running, scoring 16 points in the first quarter as the Thunder had no answers.

Kyrie Irving said it was crucial to back Doncic to the hilt as he holds the key to their success.

“Some of those shots are a centimetre off or an inch off,” said Mavs guard Kyrie Irving, who was held to nine points but matched his playoff career high with 11 assists. “We know Luka very well, so we’re not worried relatively, but we understand that we have to continue to feed him confidence. But it starts with him, and he knows that in order for us to be successful, he’s going to have to play his role in his team and be a star of the team. And when it’s our time to star in our role, he gives us that chance.”

Meanwhile, Mavs forward P.J. Washington played a key role, scoring his first career playoff double-double with 29 points and 11 rebounds.

“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 third game of the series will be played on Saturday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and many more.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Valencia pleads with La Liga for postponement of game against Real Madrid

Valencia have pleaded with the La Liga authorities to postpone its match with Real Madrid… Read More

October 31, 2024

Dubois gets permission to face new challenger

Daniel Dubois has been given the go-ahead from the International Boxing Federation (IBF) to fight… Read More

October 31, 2024

Manchester United faces a brick wall ahead of Amorim’s appointment

Manchester United has seen their attempt to appoint Rúben Amorim as Erik ten Hag's successor… Read More

October 31, 2024

Randal Kolo Muani set to leave PSG

Reports have emanated from France that Randal Kolo Muani could leave Paris Saint-Germain for as… Read More

October 31, 2024

Dortmund chief Sebastian Kehl drums support for Nuri Sahin despite early season woes

Nuri Sahin has come under fire after Borussia Dortmund's start this term, but has received… Read More

October 31, 2024

Chet Holmgren Shines as Thunder Defeat Spurs, Besting Rival Victor Wembanyama

In an early showdown between two of the NBA’s most promising young big men, Chet… Read More

October 31, 2024