When Dallas Mavericks’ superstar entered the crucial Game 5 against Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals on Wednesday, he had one aim – just focus on basketball and get the job done for his team.
Doncic was left frustrated by the match officials after 100-96 loss in the previous game but he came up with a different mindset in the fifth game to help his team take a 3-2 lead in the series.
“Just focus on basketball,” Doncic said after the 104-92 victory that moved the Mavs within one win of the West finals. “Remember the thing I love, the thing I love to do. Just play basketball.”
The Slovenian came up with his best playoffs performance of the season as he scored 31 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists to register a triple-double. Doncic has been struggling in the post-season with sprained right knee, and sore left ankle but he was at his previous best. Doncic said he talked to the referees without any complains.
“I talked to them normal without complaining — nothing,” said Doncic, who recorded the third 30-point playoff triple-double of his career. “I think it was the whole game, nothing. So I just go out there and hoop. Have fun, have fun. It was the old Luka — a smile on my face.”
Meanwhile, Mavs forward Derrick Jones Jr. added that it is almost impossible to put the brakes on Doncic if he gets going.
“I was just sitting back saying, ‘It’s going to be a long day for them,’” Jones said. “I’ve always been harping on, ’77 is amazing.’ Once he gets his rhythm and he’s got it going, you can’t stop him.”
Doncic finished 11-of-22 from the floor, 5-of-11 from 3-point range and 2-of-3 from the free throw line.
“He’s human; he’s not a robot,” Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said when asked about Doncic’s unusually calm demeanor. “Sometimes we just pencil in that he’s going to put in 30, 10 and 10. You know the playoffs are hard mentally and physically. Before the game, understand you are not going to get any calls on the road. You got to understand you got to play through it.”
The sixth game of the series will be played on Saturday.
