Luka Doncic recalls Mavs’ Finals run ahead of WCF rematch against Timberwolves
Luka Doncic's late surge helped the Dallas Mavericks see off Rudy Gobert's Minnesota Timberwolves last season.
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Luka Doncic taunting Rudy Gobert after draining a step-back three
Since the Mavericks drafted Luka Doncic in 2018, he has made playing on Christmas Eve almost a tradition. Even with this year’s schedule packed with five games, most fans are only looking forward to watching last year’s Western Conference Finals rematch between the Mavericks and Timberwolves.
Luka Doncic appeared on ESPN’s NBA Today to converse with Malika Andrews. During the short appearance, the host posed numerous questions, ranging from the motivation behind launching his new youth development organization on Saturday, December 21—which is celebrated as International Basketball Day—to his most cherished memories from his own youth. Ahead of the matchup, Doncic was also asked what last year’s WCF experience was like.
Just knowing how hard it is to get to the Finals, lot of games, lot of hard games, but it was a fun experience. Obviously, we didn’t win the Finals, but it was very hard and fun to get there. We could take that as motivation for this year.
Luka Doncic recalled
Since 2011, last year was the first time the Dallas Mavericks made it to the final round of the playoffs after beating some of the toughest teams in the league, like the Clippers and Thunder. Last year was also Luka Doncic‘s best performance on Christmas, when he dropped 50 points and dished out 15 dimes to defeat the Suns and eclipse the 10,000-point mark.
Malika Andrews also asked Doncic what he has in store for this Christmas, especially against a team they’ve had hard-fought battles with before. Jokingly, she asked what—or who—he is going to “cook” this time around, referring to the step-back three he hit over the Wolves’ center Rudy Gobert. Replaying the shot in his mind, along with the trash talk that followed, naturally made the Slovenian athlete giggle.
Luka Doncic had some words for Rudy Gobert after draining the step-back three
To qualify for the Finals, the Mavericks had to go through the up-and-coming Timberwolves last year. As fate would have it, Luka Doncic found himself with the ball late in the fourth quarter, guarded by the four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert. It was the perfect moment for “Luka Magic” to execute his signature move—a step-back three.
After draining the shot from beyond the arc, leaving Gobert spinning on the court, Doncic had some words for him. Known for letting his emotions spill in the heat of the moment, Doncic screamed at Gobert, “Motherfu*ker! You can’t f*cking guard me” followed by yelling “Go home b*tch” into the stands.
Reporter:
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 25, 2024
“So he (Rudy Gobert) can’t f'ing guard you?”
Luka Doncic:
“Who said that?”
Reporter:
“You said that.”
Luka:
“I didn’t say that. I was speaking Slovenian😁”
(via @3swohlman) pic.twitter.com/CJQYJfxyoo
However, when Doncic was asked in the post-game conference about what he had said to Gobert after drilling the three-pointer, he tried to play ignorant. The reporters, delighted by his antics, laughed as they repeated his quote verbatim.
This year’s Minnesota Timberwolves team is a little different, though. Doncic acknowledged the competition and tough players on the opposing side, like Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and the newest addition, Julius Randle. Nonetheless, he stuck to his guns, saying he is looking forward to seeing them once again.
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Anubhav Bajpeyee
(172 Articles Published)