Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic has a more optimistic outlook for the 2022-23 NBA season. Although the Mavericks lost to the Phoenix Suns 107-105 on opening night, Doncic is confident he can lead his team to a comeback performance.
“The way we played for the first half and the fourth quarter, I think we can be good this season,” the three-time All-Star said.
A few NBA betting sites are giving the Mavericks the 10th-best odds to win the championship this season. As long as Luka Doncic stays healthy, sportsbooks are expecting him to return to the playoffs.
Luka Doncic, two days after the Mavs’ opening loss: “The way we played for the first half and the fourth quarter, I think we can be good this season. Obviously, it’s the first game. We have to work. And then be better, but I feel really confident.”
— Calli Caplan (@CalliCaplan) October 21, 2022
Luka Doncic finished with a team-high 35 points in 37 minutes with 9 rebounds and 6 assists. He finished 10 of 23 from the field and 2 of 10 from downtown.
The Suns outscored the Mavericks 31-19 to open the second half. Of course, the Mavs surrendered a 22-point lead. Dallas shot 35-of-75 (46.7%) from the floor and 14-of-35 (40%) from 3-point range.
Mavericks guard Luka Doncic believes his team can succeed in the Western Conference this season.
The Mavericks also led 67-45 early in the third quarter and 93-80 with 8 minutes left. Christian Wood contributed 25 points and 8 rebounds in his debut against Dallas.
“It was really the first game. We’ve got to work on it and get better than that, but I feel confident.” Also, a reporter asked about a specific goal from the penalty line. Doncic replied, “Trying to do it all. That’s it.”
In a separate interview, Luka Doncic expressed his desire to see other NBA players wear the Jordan Luka 1 sneakers to start this season.
“It’s amazing. It’s unbelievable. I think I saw Obi [Toppin] I wore them for the first game. It’s just happiness. But I don’t blame them. It is a very good shoe.
In December 2019, the Mavericks guard signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Air Jordan.
Last season, in 65 starts, Luka Doncic averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.2 steals. He logged a career-high 35.4 minutes per game. He earned a third All-Star and All-NBA first-team selections.
Now that Jalen Brunson is with the New York Knicks, fans are wondering if the Mavs will be the same team this season. Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA. But he will struggle to carry Dallas alone.
