OKC Thunder: 3 keys to defeating Mavericks

OKC Thunder key number 2: Luka Doncic

It seems odd to say Luka Doncic is only in his third season. Doesn’t it?  In less than three years Doncic has already created numerous highlight-reel moments.

He turned 22 on February 28th but plays with the confidence and I.Q. of a savvy vet. It’s hard to fathom he was ever a rookie such is his polished skillset. He’s one of the few players in the NBA including OKC’s own Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who can’t be sped up or forced to play a certain way.

Every defensive action creates a corresponding action. Cut off his driving lanes he’ll whip the ball to an awaiting teammate or nutmeg the opponent leading his big man to the bucket. Throw up some zone at him and he’ll cut into the middle of it and either score an easy mid-range bucket or find a cutting teammate. Play man to man on him and he’ll pull a step-back 3-pointer out of his bag of tricks.

Last season he struggled from the perimeter (31.6 percent) and while he’s still not shooting above average (35.7%) he’s trending upward. Through the last 15 games, he’s averaging 30 points per game, shooting 43.5 percent from deep.

If the Thunder want any chance of winning this match Luka has to be dealt with. The best bet is to try to limit his playmaking and defend as best as possible one on one. It’s one thing for Doncic to put up big scoring numbers, but if the OKC Thunder can limit his playmaking it’ll be much easier to steal the victory.