Mavericks: Increased minutes for Luka Doncic, its everything he wants
Frisco, Texas — Luka Doncic is the engine that has kept the Dallas Mavericks' offensive afloat in the crowded Western Conference. So, it is no surprise he took exception to playing fewer minutes in Dallas' 116-86 win over the Detroit Pistons Tuesday night. "I asked to close out the game," Doncic said of wanting to […]
Frisco, Texas — Luka Doncic is the engine that has kept the Dallas Mavericks' offensive afloat in the crowded Western Conference.
So, it is no surprise he took exception to playing fewer minutes in Dallas' 116-86 win over the Detroit Pistons Tuesday night.
"I asked to close out the game," Doncic said of wanting to play more minutes down the stretch against Detroit. "[I want to] play 44 or 45 [minutes]."
In three out of the last five games, Doncic has logged 35-plus minutes. Against Orlando, he played 37 minutes. When facing Oklahoma City, he logged 42 minutes and 48 seconds. And when playing Philadelphia, he tallied 40 minutes.
The minute mark against Oklahoma City came in a loss, and it was the most minutes Doncic played this season. A close second place was when Dallas played Toronto on Jan. 19. Doncic logged 42 minutes and 16 seconds then.
Resting Doncic hasn't been a concern. And realistically, it shouldn't be. At 22 years old, he should want to go out and play every game. Jason Kidd believes that is the case as well.
"He wants to play 48 [minutes]," Kidd said. "He runs the show."
More minutes better play?
Coinciding with more minutes on the hardwood is Doncic's great play of late. In the last five games, he's averaged 31 points, 11.6 assists, and 8.2 rebounds per game.
What's better than the raw counting stats is his efficiency. Doncic is shooting 48 percent from the field and 40 percent from three during his current run.
He has seven-straight games with 10-plus assists, one game away from matching the Mavericks' franchise record held by Kidd.
Kidd enjoys utilizing football analogies to describe Doncic's play, and of late, Kidd sees Doncic doing a great job quarterbacking his team.
Players like Jalen Brunson and Reggie Bullock have gotten numerous open looks because of the gravity Doncic possesses on the offensive end.
What has also helped Dallas is Doncic's increased minutes. He can rest when he's older. For now, Kidd wants Doncic to play his game. If that means playing 40 minutes a game, so be it.
"He's making all the right reads," Kidd said of Doncic. "It's amazing what he's done in such a short career."
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Feature image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports.
