Luka Dončić of the Mavericks Poised for Greatness, Fulfilling Predictions of Success

MINNEAPOLIS — As Luka Dončić settled into the small postgame press conference room, knowing it would be the smallest room he’d be in until the end of his season, he placed a trophy on the table in front of him. It was awarded to him after being voted the MVP in the Western Conference finals, a trophy that started with a gleaming gold base supporting a silver orb on top. He wasn’t sure how it would fit into his trophy case, he admitted.

“(It’ll go) home,” said Dončić, the only destination he was sure of in this moment. “I don’t know where yet.”

Dončić has a long list of glittering accolades. He has a trophy from Real Madrid’s 2018 EuroLeague championship, but none from Slovenia’s first-ever EuroBasket victory in 2017. There are countless plaques and medallions from past tournaments and finals that he starred in long ago. What was on his mind, other than a postgame beer, wasn’t his new trophy, but the pursuit of an even more prestigious one.

On Thursday, in Game 5’s 124-103 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dončić advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time. Along with his new set of teammates, the best he’s ever had, they amplified his transcendent superstar presence that seemed destined for this stage.

Now he has.

Luka Dončić flashes a smile at his press conference after the Mavericks won the Western Conference finals. (Bruce Kluckhohn / USA Today)

It has been 13 years since the Dallas Mavericks reached the NBA Finals. Thirteen years since they won the title under Dirk Nowitzki’s leadership for the first time in franchise history. Thirteen years of transition from Nowitzki’s era to trusting in Dončić after his arrival. This is Nowitzki’s franchise, always will be, but there’s no better successor. They may not be identical, but they share a trait – a ruthless desire to win that motivates those around them. What Nowitzki passed on, Dončić has carried forward. Now, he’s arrived at the same stage Nowitzki once led them to: the finals, against the Boston Celtics, starting June 6.

Dončić didn’t watch the NBA finals growing up. “It was 4 in the morning,” he said. “I couldn’t. I had school the next day.”

But from the opening minutes of Game 5, he left no doubt that he would reach his first finals appearance. He scored 10 points in the first three minutes, 15 in the first eight, and 20 by the end of the first quarter, while the Timberwolves only scored 19 themselves.

“I turn around, and he’s shooting it from half court,” starting center Daniel Gafford said. “I’m like, ‘At this point, I don’t even need to set a screen for you, brother.’”

It was a dominant performance from Dončić, reminiscent of his past displays, most notably against the Phoenix Suns in a closeout Game 7 two seasons ago.

“This one was very close to that,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “He took the crowd out of the game right off the bat, and he let his teammates know that it’s time.”

Dončić’s 36-point performance on 14-of-22 shooting was matched by his co-star, Kyrie Irving, who also scored 36 points. Irving, the team’s Finals veteran, ensured Dončić’s brilliance was supported by his own resolve. With those two leading the team, there is certainty in the outcome when they both refuse to lose.

The teammates surrounding them, some of whom Dončić met only a few months ago, have quickly gained his on-court trust.

Dončić is always the catalyst, steering the team forward. His legendary status is earned through nights like this, where his greatness is unquestionable. Whether he and his teammates can overcome the Celtics will be determined in the upcoming games.

“We’re not done here,” Dončić declared. “We need four more.”

As Dončić contemplates where to place his new trophy in his case, he envisions a larger trophy as the centerpiece. He has always aimed for the ultimate prize since entering the league with high expectations.

Now, his first opportunity begins.

Required Reading

(Top photo of Luka Dončić and his father, Sasa: David Berding / Getty Images)