Luka Doncic is Pretty Close to Michael Jordan

Christmas Day has served as a staple for the NBA and its consumers for decades now. Like the NFL on Thanksgiving, fans look forward to marquee matchups between rival teams and stark competitors. This Christmas, the reigning champion Denver Nuggets matched up against the subtly-falling dynasty that is the Golden State Warriors. During a layover on the way to Shreveport from Las Vegas, I got the opportunity to tune into my Lakers getting whooped on by our archrival, that team in Boston. The nightcap, and the only game I got the opportunity to watch in its entirety, was Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns. Luka Doncic (Kyrie Irving didn’t play due to injury) vs. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant (Brad Beal also out due to injury). Nonetheless, primetime Western Conference basketball.

Every avid NBA fan is aware of the hostility between Dallas and Phoenix. Two seasons ago, they matched up in the playoffs. After a fierce, trash-talking first six games, fans waited on the edge of their seat for a fierce series-deciding Game 7 in Phoenix. Luka Doncic had other plans. In the first half alone, he had 27 points (just as many as the entire Phoenix roster), a plethora of highlights and the Mavericks held a 30-point lead heading into halftime. The game was already over; the Suns embarrassed on their home floor.

Which brings us to this Christmas game.

Basketball is a game of MOMENTUM.

In the final two minutes of the third quarter, Phoenix Superstar Devin Booker fouled Grant Williams on a layup attempt and sent him to the free throw line. Grant Williams took exception to this foul, as he returned the favor the very next possession, causing a brief wrestling match between the two that got judged with double technical fouls; essentially making them equally responsible for their dustup.

After some more words were shared, Devin Booker stepped to the free throw line and missed the first of two.

You’ll have to take my word for it as I have since discarded the paper I wrote on. But still down four points, I knew right after that missed free throw that the Dallas Mavericks were going to win the game. Grant Williams swung the momentum into their favor after a closely-battled three quarters. Luka Doncic finished with 50 points and 15 assists in the win.

Coming from Europe, Luka has always had the magnifying glass on his game. But what I’ve found in his game is a consistency in having total control of the game, something that shows in his counting stats. He has yet to win any championships, but to this point Luka Doncic’s career numbers are not far from who most people consider the Greatest of All-Time, Michael Jordan.

I say all this to simply say: stay woke. Regardless of how you feel about Luka or the Mavericks, he is a superstar and his numbers back his claim up. At this rate, barring any major injuries, he very well may insert himself into the greatest of all time conversation. Only time will tell, but don’t say I didn’t try to.