Luka Doncic candid about Mavs' downfall against Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

Luka Doncic addresses the issues holding the Dallas Mavericks back, highlighting the positive progress the team has made.

The Dallas Mavericks have shown significant improvement this season, with a record of 4-1. However, there are still areas where they need to iron out the kinks in order to reach their full potential. Luka Doncic, the star player for the Mavericks, addressed some of these issues following their loss to the Denver Nuggets in the NBA In-Season Tournament.

Despite the loss, Doncic's perspective should encourage fans and help them appreciate the progress the team has made in the early games of the 2023-24 season. He acknowledged that there were positive aspects to take away from the game, despite the result.

Doncic pointed out that his turnovers and the team's defensive rebounds were the factors that cost them the game. However, he also mentioned that if this had been last season, they would have lost by a much larger margin. This shows that the team has made strides and can learn from their mistakes.

Although Doncic had a remarkable individual performance with 34 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and one block, he also recorded a disappointing nine turnovers. Additionally, the Mavericks struggled with offensive rebounding, with the Nuggets having a significant advantage in this area.

Last season, the team often relied too heavily on Doncic and Kyrie Irving, which resulted in an unbalanced squad and a lackluster record. Defense continues to be a concern, especially against strong teams like the Nuggets. However, there is potential for the Mavericks to develop into a cohesive and successful team.

To alleviate some of the pressure on the star backcourt, players like Grant Williams, Josh Green, and Dereck Lively II will need to consistently contribute in their respective roles. The Mavericks are aiming to continue their gradual improvement in their upcoming game against the Charlotte Hornets.

Overall, while the loss to the Nuggets highlighted some areas of improvement for the Mavericks, Doncic's positive outlook and the team's progress should give fans hope for a successful season ahead.