After forcing Game 7 in their West semifinal against the Phoenix Suns, Luka Doncic assured that what makes him optimistic for that crucial meeting is how “special” these Dallas Mavericks are. “For me, this team is special. They are great guys, we play hard and we help each other. That’s what gives me hope“Doncic told the media after the match.
The Suns and the Mavericks (3-3) will play for a spot in the Western Conference final in Game 7 on Sunday after Doncic guided Dallas to a decisive and seamless victory on Thursday to avoid elimination (113- 86). The Slovenian was the absolute owner of the game with 33 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals. Instead, the stars of the Suns had a very complicated night: Devin Booker had 19 points and 8 turnovers and Chris Paul had 13 points and 5 turnovers.
Doncic noted that limiting turnovers (7 from the Mavericks to 22 from the Suns) and “attacking the paint” were “key” aspects in the victory of his team. However, the figure from Dallas insisted that the defense will be essential if they want to win in the seventh match, which will be played in Phoenix. “We have to play like we have played at home. With this defense we will have a chance to win. But if we play defense as we have played the three games there (in Phoenix), we won’t have chances”growth.
Finally, and after six games in which there have been piques and foul comments between the players of the two teams, Doncic downplayed those moments spicy during games and commented with a smile that he enjoys this part of the NBA known as “trash talk” (“trash” means garbage in English and “talk” is to speak). “It’s fun for me, it’s competitive basketball”assured.