By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
“I don’t think so,” Luka Doncic replied when he was asked if he had ever made a game-winner like the one he hit against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday (14/4).
No, he hadn’t. This was by far the most spectacular among Doncic’s numerous game-winning baskets throughout the years and across continents, a near-impossible floater that he made while almost falling down and being off-balance.
It has come to a point when this kind of plays from Doncic should be considered quite natural , according to Kristaps Porzingis. “I feel he doesn’t surprise us anymore with these shots,” the Latvian big man said. “It’s unbelievable.”
“He’s special. A special talent,” Porzingis gave as the reason behind Doncic’s ability to pull of even this kind of plays.
In the meantime, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle remembered that Doncic’s ability to make all sorts of crazy shots has actually come at a cost for him.
“I can’t tell you how many thousands of dollars I’ve lost to him on half-court shots,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. “One time in Mexico City, our second year, I paid him off in pesos because I was so pissed about it. I don’t bet him anymore.”
Mavericks center Dwight Powell probably also knew better than to bet against Luka in this kind of scenarios. “Watch this. That’s what I’m thinking,” Powell said. “I have full faith that it’s at least going to have a chance, but I’m putting my money on it going in.”
Carlisle compared the Mavericks’ win to an act of magic, delivered by one of the best. “This is one of those joyous nights where we escaped. We had Houdini. He got us out of here alive,” Carlisle said.