As the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder clash in a thrilling second-round playoff series, all eyes are on Mavericks’ All-Star Luka Doncic, whose postseason performance has sparked widespread debate.
Following a tight 100-96 loss to the Thunder that leveled the series at 2-2, former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins didn’t hold back his thoughts on Luka Doncic’s struggles.
Perkins Points to Luka Doncic’s Struggles
In a fiery post on X, Perkins critiqued Luka Doncic’s postseason form, stating, “Luka has been HORRIBLE this entire postseason.” This harsh assessment came after Doncic posted 18 points, 12 rebounds, and ten assists in Game 4, but his shooting efficiency left much to be desired. Despite these contributions, Doncic shot just 6/20 from the field and a disappointing 2/9 from beyond the arc.
Luka Doncic 2024 playoff highlights: pic.twitter.com/LRVFVFZ7Lt
— ۟ (@MavsPlsWin) May 8, 2024
A Series of Ups and Downs
The Mavericks, who are the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a solid 50-32 record, had previously overcome the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round.
Luka Doncic, a key player for the Mavs, has averaged 26.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists during the playoffs. However, his shooting percentages — 40.0% from the field and 26.0% from the three-point line — have not mirrored his regular-season efficiency, highlighting a notable dip in form when it matters most.
Thunder Strikes with Gilgeous-Alexander
On the opposing side, the Thunder’s performance in Game 4 was spearheaded by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who put up an impressive 34 points along with eight rebounds and five assists. His ability to maintain efficiency, shooting 14/27 from the field, contrasted sharply with Luka Doncic’s struggles, setting the stage for a critical Game 5 in Oklahoma City.
Looking Ahead: A Pivotal Game 5
As both teams prepare for Game 5, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner of this series will advance to the Western Conference Finals, facing either the Denver Nuggets or the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are also locked in a 2-2 series deadlock. This next game could be a defining moment for Luka Doncic and the Mavericks, offering a chance for redemption or further scrutiny.
In the high-pressure world of NBA playoffs, every game can drastically sway a player’s narrative. For Luka Doncic, a rebound in form during Game 5 could silence critics like Perkins and reassert his status as a postseason performer. However, another subpar performance might only fuel further critique of his ability to lead when the lights shine brightest.
