Doncic in his fifth season quietly has transformed into a well-above-average defensive player. Dare we even pronounce him a good defender? “People are not going to admit it, but I think this year I’ve really taken a big step,” he said. “I don’t need people to believe; I believe in myself. I think I’ve been playing defense way better than the first four years and I think I’ve taken a huge step forward.”
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
StatMuse @statmuse
Giannis tonight:
38 PTS
9 REB
6 AST
Only Luka has more 35/5/5 games this season. pic.twitter.com/QGfgp9jKuo – 10:21 PM
Giannis tonight:
38 PTS
9 REB
6 AST
Only Luka has more 35/5/5 games this season. pic.twitter.com/QGfgp9jKuo – 10:21 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
“He did things different than the other kids,” Raptors forward Juancho Hernangomez didn’t know Mavs star Luka Doncic was on a fast track to being the world’s best player when they were hanging as teenagers in Madrid, but he knew his friend was special: sportsnet.ca/nba/article/ra… – 6:20 PM
“He did things different than the other kids,” Raptors forward Juancho Hernangomez didn’t know Mavs star Luka Doncic was on a fast track to being the world’s best player when they were hanging as teenagers in Madrid, but he knew his friend was special: sportsnet.ca/nba/article/ra… – 6:20 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Luka and Juancho, just a couple of teens hanging out
thestar.com/sports/raptors… – 4:39 PM
Luka and Juancho, just a couple of teens hanging out
thestar.com/sports/raptors… – 4:39 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Numbers suggest Luka Doncic is now good defender; he says ‘I’ve taken a huge step forward’ dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 3:26 PM
Numbers suggest Luka Doncic is now good defender; he says ‘I’ve taken a huge step forward’ dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 3:26 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Numbers suggest Luka Doncic is now good defender; he says ‘I’ve taken a huge step forward’ dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 3:24 PM
Numbers suggest Luka Doncic is now good defender; he says ‘I’ve taken a huge step forward’ dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 3:24 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Luka Doncic: Third in usage percentage, fourth in touches, first in time of possession (by 29 minutes!) and first in time per touch. – 2:50 PM
Luka Doncic: Third in usage percentage, fourth in touches, first in time of possession (by 29 minutes!) and first in time per touch. – 2:50 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Top 4:
Luka Doncic
Joel Embiid
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Anthony Davis
Guess the stat. pic.twitter.com/pVe2evv6vb – 2:32 PM
Top 4:
Luka Doncic
Joel Embiid
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Anthony Davis
Guess the stat. pic.twitter.com/pVe2evv6vb – 2:32 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
The Wolves have sent Luka Garza, Josh Minott and AJ Lawson back to Iowa. But somewhat notably, Wendell Moore Jr. stays up with the NBA club — as guard/wing depth, with Jordan McLaughlin and Taurean Prince set to miss tonight’s game, and Kyle Anderson listed as questionable. – 10:38 AM
The Wolves have sent Luka Garza, Josh Minott and AJ Lawson back to Iowa. But somewhat notably, Wendell Moore Jr. stays up with the NBA club — as guard/wing depth, with Jordan McLaughlin and Taurean Prince set to miss tonight’s game, and Kyle Anderson listed as questionable. – 10:38 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Players to average 30/8/8 in a season:
— Oscar Robertson
— Michael Jordan
— Russell Westbrook
— Luka this season pic.twitter.com/14sakbVLbG – 10:09 AM
Players to average 30/8/8 in a season:
— Oscar Robertson
— Michael Jordan
— Russell Westbrook
— Luka this season pic.twitter.com/14sakbVLbG – 10:09 AM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
#Celtics #Mavericks takeaways on All Access.
On Brown’s challenging year: youtu.be/YhwQ9Ij3PJg
On Tatum surmounting Luka: youtu.be/GhlB-bVqsD4 – 12:17 PM
#Celtics #Mavericks takeaways on All Access.
On Brown’s challenging year: youtu.be/YhwQ9Ij3PJg
On Tatum surmounting Luka: youtu.be/GhlB-bVqsD4 – 12:17 PM
Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
Jayson Tatum when defended by Luka Doncic:
15 PTS, 5-8 FG, 1:57 matchup time
Luka when defended by Tatum:
2 PTS, 1-2 FG, 2 TO, 1 BLK, 1:12
Defensive data is imperfect. But NBA tracking had Celtics scoring 31 points on 12-19 FG vs Luka. Tatum allowed 6 points on 3-5 FG, 2 BLK – 9:56 AM
Jayson Tatum when defended by Luka Doncic:
15 PTS, 5-8 FG, 1:57 matchup time
Luka when defended by Tatum:
2 PTS, 1-2 FG, 2 TO, 1 BLK, 1:12
Defensive data is imperfect. But NBA tracking had Celtics scoring 31 points on 12-19 FG vs Luka. Tatum allowed 6 points on 3-5 FG, 2 BLK – 9:56 AM
Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
☘️🎙️ NEW POSTGAME POD 🎙️☘️
Jayson Tatum outshines Luka Doncic in an MVP showdown and getting wayyyyy too excited about Robert Williams’ potential December return with @Abby Chin
Take us on your Thanksgiving commute. 🦃 🚗
https://t.co/nroPps0oEk pic.twitter.com/mH7f1jfS0M – 9:47 AM
☘️🎙️ NEW POSTGAME POD 🎙️☘️
Jayson Tatum outshines Luka Doncic in an MVP showdown and getting wayyyyy too excited about Robert Williams’ potential December return with @Abby Chin
Take us on your Thanksgiving commute. 🦃 🚗
https://t.co/nroPps0oEk pic.twitter.com/mH7f1jfS0M – 9:47 AM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Jayson Tatum revealed his friendly banter with Luka Doncic after his fourth quarter block of the Mavs star: “I told him I had to block it because I didn’t want him to dunk on me.” masslive.com/celtics/2022/1… – 9:02 AM
Jayson Tatum revealed his friendly banter with Luka Doncic after his fourth quarter block of the Mavs star: “I told him I had to block it because I didn’t want him to dunk on me.” masslive.com/celtics/2022/1… – 9:02 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Doncic praises Tatum and Brown: Best duo in NBA eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/14… – 7:30 AM
Doncic praises Tatum and Brown: Best duo in NBA eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/14… – 7:30 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Luka Doncic is commited to bring the championship to Dallas 👏 pic.twitter.com/tb5VFTYk0I – 6:31 AM
Luka Doncic is commited to bring the championship to Dallas 👏 pic.twitter.com/tb5VFTYk0I – 6:31 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Luka Docic’s 42 points are not enough for Dallas 🎥 eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/14… – 5:06 AM
Luka Docic’s 42 points are not enough for Dallas 🎥 eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/14… – 5:06 AM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
“I told him I had to block it because I didn’t want him to dunk on me. He looked at me and was like, ‘You thought I was going to dunk it?’”
In a battle of MVP candidates, Jayson Tatum, and Luka Dončić both shined. But Jaylen Brown was the difference. theathletic.com/3930550/2022/1… – 1:21 AM
“I told him I had to block it because I didn’t want him to dunk on me. He looked at me and was like, ‘You thought I was going to dunk it?’”
In a battle of MVP candidates, Jayson Tatum, and Luka Dončić both shined. But Jaylen Brown was the difference. theathletic.com/3930550/2022/1… – 1:21 AM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
BSJ Game Report: Celtics 125, Mavericks 112 – Tatum, Brown combine for 68 to hold off Luka Doncic bostonsportsjournal.com/2022/11/24/bsj… – 1:03 AM
BSJ Game Report: Celtics 125, Mavericks 112 – Tatum, Brown combine for 68 to hold off Luka Doncic bostonsportsjournal.com/2022/11/24/bsj… – 1:03 AM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
What a response from Luka. 2nd straight time he posts 42 after a 22 pt game. Great response from Wood w/26 and 12 after thr mysterious night vs DEN. But Mavs still get overrun. Tatum and Brown 37 and 31 and 17-34 3pt is tough to beat – 10:31 PM
What a response from Luka. 2nd straight time he posts 42 after a 22 pt game. Great response from Wood w/26 and 12 after thr mysterious night vs DEN. But Mavs still get overrun. Tatum and Brown 37 and 31 and 17-34 3pt is tough to beat – 10:31 PM
A. Sherrod Blakely @ASherrodblakely
Full Court Press Newsletter: Celtics’ 1-2 Punch Good Enough To Beat Luka and the Mavs, Keep Celtics Atop the NBA standings sherrod.substack.com/p/celtics-1-2-… – 10:27 PM
Full Court Press Newsletter: Celtics’ 1-2 Punch Good Enough To Beat Luka and the Mavs, Keep Celtics Atop the NBA standings sherrod.substack.com/p/celtics-1-2-… – 10:27 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Kidd when I asked how effective Doncic-Wood were in 4th: “Look at what they did. They have a great connection. They did a good job against considered one of the best teams in the league. So hopefully we can grow from this and we cna have those two out there in Toronto.” – 10:21 PM
Kidd when I asked how effective Doncic-Wood were in 4th: “Look at what they did. They have a great connection. They did a good job against considered one of the best teams in the league. So hopefully we can grow from this and we cna have those two out there in Toronto.” – 10:21 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
I asked Jason Kidd if he is still hard-and-fast about bringing Wood off the bench. “I’m not hard and fast about anything,” he said. Kidd said Doncic and Wood played well together in the fourth quarter, which was obvious to everyone. “They have a great connection,” he said. – 10:15 PM
I asked Jason Kidd if he is still hard-and-fast about bringing Wood off the bench. “I’m not hard and fast about anything,” he said. Kidd said Doncic and Wood played well together in the fourth quarter, which was obvious to everyone. “They have a great connection,” he said. – 10:15 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Joe Mazzulla explains moving Derrick White back into the starting lineup for Grant Williams, saying he is looking at the season in 5 game blocks and felt White was the right fit for the defensive matchups coming up. He guarded Luka a lot tonight. – 10:11 PM
Joe Mazzulla explains moving Derrick White back into the starting lineup for Grant Williams, saying he is looking at the season in 5 game blocks and felt White was the right fit for the defensive matchups coming up. He guarded Luka a lot tonight. – 10:11 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Celtics manage massive Luka Doncic performance to beat Mavs 125-112 https://t.co/4XXQe1aYvw pic.twitter.com/rdaCuROloA – 10:03 PM
Celtics manage massive Luka Doncic performance to beat Mavs 125-112 https://t.co/4XXQe1aYvw pic.twitter.com/rdaCuROloA – 10:03 PM
Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
MVP showdown lived up to the hype.
Lasting image though will be Tatum blowing past Luka and a double team for a dunk after Mavs got within 10, followed by the Tatum blocking Luka at the rim soon after. – 10:00 PM
MVP showdown lived up to the hype.
Lasting image though will be Tatum blowing past Luka and a double team for a dunk after Mavs got within 10, followed by the Tatum blocking Luka at the rim soon after. – 10:00 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Celtics win 125-112
Tatum – 37/13/5, 2 blocks
Brown – 31/4/4, 2 steals
Horford – 14/5/4
Smart – 13/9
Brogdon – 13 points
White – 12 points
Celtics – 53.6% FGs
Celtics – 17-34 3Ps
Celtics – 12 TOs
Doncic – 42/8/9
Wood – 26/12
Dinwiddie – 15/4/4
Mavs – 53.7% FGs
Mavs – 11-31 3Ps – 9:58 PM
Celtics win 125-112
Tatum – 37/13/5, 2 blocks
Brown – 31/4/4, 2 steals
Horford – 14/5/4
Smart – 13/9
Brogdon – 13 points
White – 12 points
Celtics – 53.6% FGs
Celtics – 17-34 3Ps
Celtics – 12 TOs
Doncic – 42/8/9
Wood – 26/12
Dinwiddie – 15/4/4
Mavs – 53.7% FGs
Mavs – 11-31 3Ps – 9:58 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Mavericks manhandled in Boston, despite another crazy game from Luka Doncic.
mavs.com/celtics-top-ma… – 9:58 PM
Mavericks manhandled in Boston, despite another crazy game from Luka Doncic.
mavs.com/celtics-top-ma… – 9:58 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
#Celtics beat #Mavericks 125-112, after a 27pt lead is cut to 9. Tatu, 37 and 13 rebs, Brown 31, Horford 14 (4-4 3pt), Smart 13, Brogdon 13, White 12: Luka 42 pts, 8 rebs 9 ast; Wood 26, Dinwiddle 15. – 9:57 PM
#Celtics beat #Mavericks 125-112, after a 27pt lead is cut to 9. Tatu, 37 and 13 rebs, Brown 31, Horford 14 (4-4 3pt), Smart 13, Brogdon 13, White 12: Luka 42 pts, 8 rebs 9 ast; Wood 26, Dinwiddle 15. – 9:57 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
New: Four takeaways as Jayson Tatum and the Celtics get the best of Luka Doncic and the Mavericks on Wednesday night after a starting lineup shift masslive.com/celtics/2022/1… – 9:57 PM
New: Four takeaways as Jayson Tatum and the Celtics get the best of Luka Doncic and the Mavericks on Wednesday night after a starting lineup shift masslive.com/celtics/2022/1… – 9:57 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Final: Celtics 125, Mavericks 112.
Luka Doncic was sensational, finishing with 42-8-9 on 17-for-28 shooting, but it wasn’t enough to overcome another terrific set of performances from Jayson Tatum (37-13-5), Jaylen Brown (30-4-4) and Boston’s shooters (17-for-33 from 3). – 9:55 PM
Final: Celtics 125, Mavericks 112.
Luka Doncic was sensational, finishing with 42-8-9 on 17-for-28 shooting, but it wasn’t enough to overcome another terrific set of performances from Jayson Tatum (37-13-5), Jaylen Brown (30-4-4) and Boston’s shooters (17-for-33 from 3). – 9:55 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
Luka finishes with 42-8-9 on 17-28 shooting.
Celtics about to close it out and go to an NBA best 14-4. pic.twitter.com/eX1XPkxaD8 – 9:54 PM
Luka finishes with 42-8-9 on 17-28 shooting.
Celtics about to close it out and go to an NBA best 14-4. pic.twitter.com/eX1XPkxaD8 – 9:54 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
40/8/8 games this season:
3 — Luka Doncic
3 — Everyone else combined pic.twitter.com/IVcY7xN6Lu – 9:54 PM
40/8/8 games this season:
3 — Luka Doncic
3 — Everyone else combined pic.twitter.com/IVcY7xN6Lu – 9:54 PM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
Congrats to Luka for the 42-9-8 but Tatum was the best player in that game. – 9:53 PM
Congrats to Luka for the 42-9-8 but Tatum was the best player in that game. – 9:53 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Jayson Tatum screamed “I told you!” at Luka Doncic after rejecting him at the rim. – 9:52 PM
Jayson Tatum screamed “I told you!” at Luka Doncic after rejecting him at the rim. – 9:52 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
#Celtics responding with some big buckets and a block from Tatum on Luka to extend lead to 17 with 1:55 left. Luka has been stellar but BOS is fighting off the DAL charge. – 9:50 PM
#Celtics responding with some big buckets and a block from Tatum on Luka to extend lead to 17 with 1:55 left. Luka has been stellar but BOS is fighting off the DAL charge. – 9:50 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Jayson Tatum blocks a Luka Doncic drive at one end, and then Jaylen Brown buries a 3 at the other. Now both Tatum and Brown have eclipsed 30 on the night, Boston is up 17 and this one is over. – 9:49 PM
Jayson Tatum blocks a Luka Doncic drive at one end, and then Jaylen Brown buries a 3 at the other. Now both Tatum and Brown have eclipsed 30 on the night, Boston is up 17 and this one is over. – 9:49 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Jayson Tatum looked like he had a few words for Luka Doncic after that block. – 9:49 PM
Jayson Tatum looked like he had a few words for Luka Doncic after that block. – 9:49 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
Doncic had 1 assist until the 3:57 mark of the 3rd quarter. Since then, about 1 full quarter now, he’s had 7 – 9:46 PM
Doncic had 1 assist until the 3:57 mark of the 3rd quarter. Since then, about 1 full quarter now, he’s had 7 – 9:46 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Kind of a Groundhog Day Raptors game.
Bunch of guys forced into roles they don’t usually play, play hard, have their moments, can’t shoot 3s to save their souls
Benches emptied, Nets will win, Luka Madness here Saturday at the (non) traditional 5 p.m. start time – 9:42 PM
Kind of a Groundhog Day Raptors game.
Bunch of guys forced into roles they don’t usually play, play hard, have their moments, can’t shoot 3s to save their souls
Benches emptied, Nets will win, Luka Madness here Saturday at the (non) traditional 5 p.m. start time – 9:42 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Well, MFFLs finally are getting a large dose of Doncic and Wood together and it’s pretty effective — although to be fair there’s a garbage-time element to this. – 9:42 PM
Well, MFFLs finally are getting a large dose of Doncic and Wood together and it’s pretty effective — although to be fair there’s a garbage-time element to this. – 9:42 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
Jaylen whip out some ridiculous dribble move from time to time, and that was one of them, behind the back crossover to get past Luka for the and-1. That was something – 9:40 PM
Jaylen whip out some ridiculous dribble move from time to time, and that was one of them, behind the back crossover to get past Luka for the and-1. That was something – 9:40 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Luka Doncic has been spectacular tonight – now up to 42-7-6 – but thought he got fouled by Marcus Smart and let it impact his defense on Jaylen Brown at the other, creating an and-one. Boston’s lead is now back up to 15. – 9:40 PM
Luka Doncic has been spectacular tonight – now up to 42-7-6 – but thought he got fouled by Marcus Smart and let it impact his defense on Jaylen Brown at the other, creating an and-one. Boston’s lead is now back up to 15. – 9:40 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic has 42 points. It’s the 19th time he has scored 40 or more in a regular-season game. Including playoffs he now has 27 games of 40+ points. – 9:39 PM
Doncic has 42 points. It’s the 19th time he has scored 40 or more in a regular-season game. Including playoffs he now has 27 games of 40+ points. – 9:39 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Celtics have executed a solid gameplan covering Luka Doncic tonight, and he still might have a 50 point triple double. – 9:39 PM
Celtics have executed a solid gameplan covering Luka Doncic tonight, and he still might have a 50 point triple double. – 9:39 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Celtics lead 101-85 after three
Tatum – 29/11/3
Brown – 22 points
Smart – 13 points
White – 12 points
Horford – 11/4/3
Celtics – 54.5% FGs
Celtics – 15-28 3Ps
Celtics – 11 TOs
Doncic – 35/5/5
Dinwiddie – 15 points
Wood – 13/9
Mavs – 54% FGs
Mavs – 9-27 3Ps
Mavs – 12 TOs – 9:28 PM
Celtics lead 101-85 after three
Tatum – 29/11/3
Brown – 22 points
Smart – 13 points
White – 12 points
Horford – 11/4/3
Celtics – 54.5% FGs
Celtics – 15-28 3Ps
Celtics – 11 TOs
Doncic – 35/5/5
Dinwiddie – 15 points
Wood – 13/9
Mavs – 54% FGs
Mavs – 9-27 3Ps
Mavs – 12 TOs – 9:28 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
#Mavericks end 3Q on a 16-5 run in the final 3:57, cut #Celtics lead to 101-85. Tatum 29, Brown 22, Smart 13, White 12, Horford 11, Brogdon 11; Luka 35, Dinwiddle 15, Wood 13. – 9:25 PM
#Mavericks end 3Q on a 16-5 run in the final 3:57, cut #Celtics lead to 101-85. Tatum 29, Brown 22, Smart 13, White 12, Horford 11, Brogdon 11; Luka 35, Dinwiddle 15, Wood 13. – 9:25 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Doncic dodging defenders, sets himself and finds Wood going toward the basket from nearly half court. He’s on a roll, up to 35-5-5 on 15/22 FG late in the 3rd. Mavs within 16. – 9:23 PM
Doncic dodging defenders, sets himself and finds Wood going toward the basket from nearly half court. He’s on a roll, up to 35-5-5 on 15/22 FG late in the 3rd. Mavs within 16. – 9:23 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Luka Doncic has 31 points, but only three rebounds and just one assist. Very atypical game for him. The Celtics, who were outrebounded 51-38 Monday in Chicago, are beating the Mavericks 29-18 on the boards. – 9:12 PM
Luka Doncic has 31 points, but only three rebounds and just one assist. Very atypical game for him. The Celtics, who were outrebounded 51-38 Monday in Chicago, are beating the Mavericks 29-18 on the boards. – 9:12 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
Celtics up 91-67.
Luka has 31.
But he averages 9 rebounds and 8 assists.
He’s got 3 and 1 tonight, midway through the 3rd. – 9:11 PM
Celtics up 91-67.
Luka has 31.
But he averages 9 rebounds and 8 assists.
He’s got 3 and 1 tonight, midway through the 3rd. – 9:11 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Luka Doncic is playing great, but he’s clearly frustrated with his teammates tonight. – 9:10 PM
Luka Doncic is playing great, but he’s clearly frustrated with his teammates tonight. – 9:10 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Luka Doncic has 29 points on 12-for-17 shooting and Dallas is shooting 55 percent from the field with 65 points early in the third quarter, and yet Boston is up by 24 thanks to getting 17 points off turnovers, shooting 58 percent overall and 14-for-24 from 3-point range. – 9:08 PM
Luka Doncic has 29 points on 12-for-17 shooting and Dallas is shooting 55 percent from the field with 65 points early in the third quarter, and yet Boston is up by 24 thanks to getting 17 points off turnovers, shooting 58 percent overall and 14-for-24 from 3-point range. – 9:08 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
It’s ugly. BOS 70-49 at the half knocking down 11-21 3ptrs to just 4-17 for Mavs. Tatum and Luka both with 23. Tatum though getting help from Brown with 13 and White with 12. No other Mav in DF. Dinwiddie with 9. 2nd half soon @971TheFreak – 8:47 PM
It’s ugly. BOS 70-49 at the half knocking down 11-21 3ptrs to just 4-17 for Mavs. Tatum and Luka both with 23. Tatum though getting help from Brown with 13 and White with 12. No other Mav in DF. Dinwiddie with 9. 2nd half soon @971TheFreak – 8:47 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Celtics lead 70-49 at the half
Tatum – 23/8/2
Brown – 13 points
White – 12 points
Horford – 8/4/3
Celtics – 54.5% FGs
Celtics – 11-21 3Ps
Celtics – 6 turnovers
Doncic – 22 points
Dinwiddie – 9 points
Wood – 7 points
Mavs – 50% FGs
Mavs – 4-17 3Ps
Mavs – 8 turnovers – 8:45 PM
Celtics lead 70-49 at the half
Tatum – 23/8/2
Brown – 13 points
White – 12 points
Horford – 8/4/3
Celtics – 54.5% FGs
Celtics – 11-21 3Ps
Celtics – 6 turnovers
Doncic – 22 points
Dinwiddie – 9 points
Wood – 7 points
Mavs – 50% FGs
Mavs – 4-17 3Ps
Mavs – 8 turnovers – 8:45 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Halftime: Celtics 70, Mavericks 49.
Luka Doncic had 22 points on 9-for-13 shooting and Dallas shot 50 percent from the field, but the Celtics shot 54 overall, 11-for-21 from 3, went 11-for-13 from the FT line got 23 points from Jayson Tatum in 18 minutes & forced 8 turnovers. – 8:42 PM
Halftime: Celtics 70, Mavericks 49.
Luka Doncic had 22 points on 9-for-13 shooting and Dallas shot 50 percent from the field, but the Celtics shot 54 overall, 11-for-21 from 3, went 11-for-13 from the FT line got 23 points from Jayson Tatum in 18 minutes & forced 8 turnovers. – 8:42 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
And it’s 70-49 Celtics at halftime as the Mavericks have gotten 22 points from Luka, one fewer than Jayson Tatum has for the Celtics. – 8:42 PM
And it’s 70-49 Celtics at halftime as the Mavericks have gotten 22 points from Luka, one fewer than Jayson Tatum has for the Celtics. – 8:42 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Give me 2022-23 Jayson Tatum over Luka Doncic @John_Zannis @Jimmy_Toscano – 8:40 PM
Give me 2022-23 Jayson Tatum over Luka Doncic @John_Zannis @Jimmy_Toscano – 8:40 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
With 2 minutes left in the half, the Celtics have blasted out to a 68-43 advantage. Luka scored to quiet the crowd, but this is getting rough to watch. – 8:39 PM
With 2 minutes left in the half, the Celtics have blasted out to a 68-43 advantage. Luka scored to quiet the crowd, but this is getting rough to watch. – 8:39 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
MVP sequence from Jayson Tatum:
-Hits a three over Doncic before double could get there
-Blocks Finney-Smith at the rim
-Draws a foul on transition three – 8:39 PM
MVP sequence from Jayson Tatum:
-Hits a three over Doncic before double could get there
-Blocks Finney-Smith at the rim
-Draws a foul on transition three – 8:39 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Sloppy finish to first quarter by Mavs. Celtics’ Brogdon misses a layup, Wood gets the rebound but has a 3-foot pass to Doncic stolen by Williams. Williams misses a 3, but Wood and Doncic tip the rebound away from one another. Brown makes a layup to end the quarter.
Fitting. – 8:14 PM
Sloppy finish to first quarter by Mavs. Celtics’ Brogdon misses a layup, Wood gets the rebound but has a 3-foot pass to Doncic stolen by Williams. Williams misses a 3, but Wood and Doncic tip the rebound away from one another. Brown makes a layup to end the quarter.
Fitting. – 8:14 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Celtics lead 34-23 after one
Brown – 13 points
Tatum – 7 points
Brogdon – 6 points
Celtics – 56.5% FGs
Celtics – 4-9 3Ps
Celtics – 2 turnovers
Doncic – 15 points
Bullock – 3 points
Mavs – 47.4% FGs
Mavs – 2-9 3Ps
Mavs – 5 turnovers – 8:13 PM
Celtics lead 34-23 after one
Brown – 13 points
Tatum – 7 points
Brogdon – 6 points
Celtics – 56.5% FGs
Celtics – 4-9 3Ps
Celtics – 2 turnovers
Doncic – 15 points
Bullock – 3 points
Mavs – 47.4% FGs
Mavs – 2-9 3Ps
Mavs – 5 turnovers – 8:13 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
Can’t ask for a much better first quarter. Put up 34, hold them to 23, Six guys on the board, 8 assists & just 2 turnovers, JT and JB combine for 20. Dallas can’t score outside of Luka right now – 8:11 PM
Can’t ask for a much better first quarter. Put up 34, hold them to 23, Six guys on the board, 8 assists & just 2 turnovers, JT and JB combine for 20. Dallas can’t score outside of Luka right now – 8:11 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
15 PT quarter for Luka, whose leaner falls again past Hauser. – 8:10 PM
15 PT quarter for Luka, whose leaner falls again past Hauser. – 8:10 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Pair of Brogdon pull up 3s paxcing the #Celtics as Luka and Hardaway score inside against Boston’s bench unit. Early Luka look over Hauser falls off glass. 32-21 BOS – 8:09 PM
Pair of Brogdon pull up 3s paxcing the #Celtics as Luka and Hardaway score inside against Boston’s bench unit. Early Luka look over Hauser falls off glass. 32-21 BOS – 8:09 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Celtics lead 26-14, and given the fact they are 10-of-15 from the field they don’t show any indication of let-up.
Mavs, conversely, look a step slow. Maybe two steps. Doncic has 10 of Dallas’ points. – 8:04 PM
Celtics lead 26-14, and given the fact they are 10-of-15 from the field they don’t show any indication of let-up.
Mavs, conversely, look a step slow. Maybe two steps. Doncic has 10 of Dallas’ points. – 8:04 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
That was a pretty move by Smart. He Eurostepped right around Luka for the lefty finish. – 8:02 PM
That was a pretty move by Smart. He Eurostepped right around Luka for the lefty finish. – 8:02 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
This game has just been Tatum and Doncic going iso for 10 minutes straight – 7:54 PM
This game has just been Tatum and Doncic going iso for 10 minutes straight – 7:54 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Luka Doncic, who entered the game with an already absurd 38 percent usage rate, is up to 10 points and an assist (on the only other made field goal Dallas has) so far in this game. – 7:54 PM
Luka Doncic, who entered the game with an already absurd 38 percent usage rate, is up to 10 points and an assist (on the only other made field goal Dallas has) so far in this game. – 7:54 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Derrick White told me this morning a lot of what the #Celtics have seen on film from themselves defensively comes down to individual efforts. Luka is going at everyone one on one right now. Smart got a stop on a jumper that JUST rimmed out. Already 10 PTS and an AST for Luka. – 7:54 PM
Derrick White told me this morning a lot of what the #Celtics have seen on film from themselves defensively comes down to individual efforts. Luka is going at everyone one on one right now. Smart got a stop on a jumper that JUST rimmed out. Already 10 PTS and an AST for Luka. – 7:54 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Tatum earns an early pair of trips to the FT line while Luka gets going with 3 straight jump shots. Fun one early at the Garden. – 7:51 PM
Tatum earns an early pair of trips to the FT line while Luka gets going with 3 straight jump shots. Fun one early at the Garden. – 7:51 PM
Mark Followill @MFollowill
Luka does everything including letting us know during the broadcast open that our monitor went out for a few seconds. 🤣🤣🤣🏀📺 pic.twitter.com/vA3PAyjuno – 7:42 PM
Luka does everything including letting us know during the broadcast open that our monitor went out for a few seconds. 🤣🤣🤣🏀📺 pic.twitter.com/vA3PAyjuno – 7:42 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
Mavericks at Celtics – TD Garden – November 23, 2022 – Starters
Boston – Smart, White, Brown, Tatum, Horford
Dallas – Luka Doncic, Spencer Dinwiddie, Reggie Bullock, Dorian Finney-Smith, Christian Wood
OUT: Boston: R. Williams, Gallinari Dallas: Kleber pic.twitter.com/QTSiwLS8qk – 7:17 PM
Mavericks at Celtics – TD Garden – November 23, 2022 – Starters
Boston – Smart, White, Brown, Tatum, Horford
Dallas – Luka Doncic, Spencer Dinwiddie, Reggie Bullock, Dorian Finney-Smith, Christian Wood
OUT: Boston: R. Williams, Gallinari Dallas: Kleber pic.twitter.com/QTSiwLS8qk – 7:17 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Mavs starters: Bullock, DFS, Powell, Dinwiddie, Doncic
BOS starters: Tatum, White, Horford, Brown, Smart
6:45 tip @971TheFreak – 7:10 PM
Mavs starters: Bullock, DFS, Powell, Dinwiddie, Doncic
BOS starters: Tatum, White, Horford, Brown, Smart
6:45 tip @971TheFreak – 7:10 PM
Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
Luka or Tatum? @PhilAPerry putting me on the spot on Early Edition before this MVP showdown. pic.twitter.com/8VPTNUNnpd – 7:09 PM
Luka or Tatum? @PhilAPerry putting me on the spot on Early Edition before this MVP showdown. pic.twitter.com/8VPTNUNnpd – 7:09 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Celtics starters tonight:
Al Horford
Jayson Tatum
Jaylen Brown
Derrick White
Marcus Smart
Mavericks starters:
Dwight Powell
Dorian Finney-Smith
Reggie Bullock
Spencer Dinwiddie
Luka Doncic – 7:07 PM
Celtics starters tonight:
Al Horford
Jayson Tatum
Jaylen Brown
Derrick White
Marcus Smart
Mavericks starters:
Dwight Powell
Dorian Finney-Smith
Reggie Bullock
Spencer Dinwiddie
Luka Doncic – 7:07 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Which is more interesting: Watching Doncic come out for warmups? Or watching everyone watching Doncic come out for warmups? pic.twitter.com/6dRCF5UF5k – 6:42 PM
Which is more interesting: Watching Doncic come out for warmups? Or watching everyone watching Doncic come out for warmups? pic.twitter.com/6dRCF5UF5k – 6:42 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Luka making sure the threads are sharp before beginning workouts. pic.twitter.com/1SaP3963bA – 6:41 PM
Luka making sure the threads are sharp before beginning workouts. pic.twitter.com/1SaP3963bA – 6:41 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Kidd on Luka’s defense: “Huge step. Luka can play both sides of the ball … what he understands is the opponent is going to bring him up in the pick and roll or put him in the post … he can do both .. we need him … we’re gonna cover each other, but now he’s participating.” – 6:05 PM
Kidd on Luka’s defense: “Huge step. Luka can play both sides of the ball … what he understands is the opponent is going to bring him up in the pick and roll or put him in the post … he can do both .. we need him … we’re gonna cover each other, but now he’s participating.” – 6:05 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
My plan for the Celtics tonight?
Be up by more than 1 or 2 points before Dallas’ last possession. Otherwise, it’ll be Luka magic time. We’ve seen that story before. – 5:51 PM
My plan for the Celtics tonight?
Be up by more than 1 or 2 points before Dallas’ last possession. Otherwise, it’ll be Luka magic time. We’ve seen that story before. – 5:51 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Joe Mazzulla on Luka: “Know what you need to live with and know what you need to take away … he can (score) in a lot of different ways.” – 5:47 PM
Joe Mazzulla on Luka: “Know what you need to live with and know what you need to take away … he can (score) in a lot of different ways.” – 5:47 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
New ESPN story: Ahead of tonight’s showdown with the Celtics here in Boston on @espn, Luka Doncic had high praise for his opponents, saying Boston is the best team in the league and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are its best duo. espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 2:54 PM
New ESPN story: Ahead of tonight’s showdown with the Celtics here in Boston on @espn, Luka Doncic had high praise for his opponents, saying Boston is the best team in the league and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are its best duo. espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 2:54 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic when asked if he gets up more for games like tonight: “They’re probably the No. 1 team in the league and they probably have the best duo (Tatum and Brown) in the league, too. And we’re in the Garden, so it’s always special.”
Why does he think Tatum/Brown best duo? pic.twitter.com/qv0Px72HAf – 12:19 PM
Doncic when asked if he gets up more for games like tonight: “They’re probably the No. 1 team in the league and they probably have the best duo (Tatum and Brown) in the league, too. And we’re in the Garden, so it’s always special.”
Why does he think Tatum/Brown best duo? pic.twitter.com/qv0Px72HAf – 12:19 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic was asked after shootaround today which team he’s picking/rooting for in World Cup: “Serbia, since Slovenia isn t playing.” With Germany and Argentina losing, Doncic was asked whether Kleber or Campazzo is taking their loss harder. “Facu because he is a huge fan.” – 12:04 PM
Doncic was asked after shootaround today which team he’s picking/rooting for in World Cup: “Serbia, since Slovenia isn t playing.” With Germany and Argentina losing, Doncic was asked whether Kleber or Campazzo is taking their loss harder. “Facu because he is a huge fan.” – 12:04 PM
Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
Luka Doncic is averaging 11.7 points in the 1st quarter this season.
That is on pace to be the most by any player in any quarter in a season over the last 25 years. – 11:38 AM
Luka Doncic is averaging 11.7 points in the 1st quarter this season.
That is on pace to be the most by any player in any quarter in a season over the last 25 years. – 11:38 AM
Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
10/27: Durant dunks to tie the game, leaving Luka and the Mavericks 8 seconds to win it. Was it a tactical error not to hold for the last shot? @David Thorpe and I bickered, then called in @SethPartnow to referee, which @jshector made a podcast out of. https://t.co/Daw0DmWvel pic.twitter.com/UoPtrb7akb – 11:17 AM
10/27: Durant dunks to tie the game, leaving Luka and the Mavericks 8 seconds to win it. Was it a tactical error not to hold for the last shot? @David Thorpe and I bickered, then called in @SethPartnow to referee, which @jshector made a podcast out of. https://t.co/Daw0DmWvel pic.twitter.com/UoPtrb7akb – 11:17 AM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
Nov. 23 RPR MVP standings:
1. Luka Doncic: 16.9
2. Jayson Tatum: 16.0
3. Kevin Durant: 15.8
4. Stephen Curry: 15.6
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 15.4
6. Joel Embiid: 14.5
7. Donovan Mitchell: 14.4
8. Devin Booker: 13.7
9. Anthony Davis: 12.8
10. Lauri Markkanen: 12.5 pic.twitter.com/EcDWNTcksf – 10:55 AM
Nov. 23 RPR MVP standings:
1. Luka Doncic: 16.9
2. Jayson Tatum: 16.0
3. Kevin Durant: 15.8
4. Stephen Curry: 15.6
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 15.4
6. Joel Embiid: 14.5
7. Donovan Mitchell: 14.4
8. Devin Booker: 13.7
9. Anthony Davis: 12.8
10. Lauri Markkanen: 12.5 pic.twitter.com/EcDWNTcksf – 10:55 AM
More on this storyline
If not for Doncic fine-tuning his diet and body, his defensive uptick would not be possible, but it’s all attributable to a change in mindset this offseason, as he simultaneously trained for Slovenia’s World Cup-qualifying and EuroBasket runs and the 2022-23 NBA season. “The start of last season for me was very bad,” he said. “I was out of shape. It just wasn’t me. I didn’t play good. So I took that as a motivation for this season.” -via Dallas Morning News / November 26, 2022
With Doncic’s immense talent, some fans worry about him possibly leaving the team in search of a more suitable place for a championship run. However, the Slovenian superstar assures that it’s not going to happen, at least not in the upcoming years. “I don’t think they [should] worry about it. I have five years left here so I don’t think they should be worried about it,” the player told WFAA’s Joe Trahan in an interview. “That’s everything,” Luka said about wanting to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy with the Mavs. “Everybody wants to win the championship. I want to win the championship here. It’s our goal. It’s the same every season. It’s a lot of work to do. There are so many great teams in the league. Anybody can beat you at this point. You have to be really ready.” -via BasketNews / November 24, 2022
Tim Bontemps: Luka Doncic on playing against Jayson Tatum: “It’s always the best. He’s an amazing player. He’s top 10, in the MVP (conversation) … he’s shown he’s not a future face of the league, but he already is, & he’s an amazing player & it’s always fun to play with those kind of guys.” -via Twitter @TimBontemps / November 24, 2022