Luka Doncic is currently playing otherworldly basketball, but realizes that the NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint.
The 20-year-old superstar remains laser-focused on dragging Dallas (11-5) back to the playoffs.
Doncic heard “MVP!” chants from the Houston crowd Sunday after leading the Mavs past the Rockets 137-123 Sunday.
Per ESPN:
“For me, it’s making the playoffs still,” said Doncic, who had 41 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists in the win, more than holding his own in a duel with perennial MVP candidate James Harden (32 points, 9 rebounds, 11 assists). “It’s a long season. It’s only been one month. We didn’t make the playoffs yet, so we’ve just got to keep going right now.”
Doncic lightly clapped his hands above his head and gave the fans two thumbs up to show his appreciation before heading into the tunnel, but he kept an even keel, a theme for the Mavericks after they extended their winning streak to five games with a 137-123 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday afternoon.
“We’re not going to get overexcited,” Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. “We know we’re capable. … The team is growing. This is a big win, there’s no question about that. This is a big-time place to play, and you’re playing against great players, and so our guys deserve credit. But, look, this is a process, and it’s day by day, week by week.”
[Doncic] joined LeBron James as the lone players in NBA history to have multiple outings with at least 40 points and 10 assists before their 21st birthday.
“Luka runs the show,” Mavs power forward Kristaps Porzingis said. “We all depend on him most of the game, and he’s playing incredible right now. He’s getting guys open looks. … He’s playing incredible right now. I’m super happy for him.”
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