Jason Kidd cuts a concerned figure as Luka Doncic drops third 50-piece in six games to secure a win
Luka Doncic registered his third 50-point game in six outings to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 126-125 win over the San Antonio Spurs. However, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd was concerned for Dallas after Doncic had to bail them out with another massive performance. Here's what Kidd said about the situation:
“We’ve got to get healthy here soon. We’re asking too much of Luka.”
Jason Kidd after Mavs needed another 50-spot from Luka Doncic to beat a bottom-two West team in clutch time: “We’ve got to get healthy here soon. We’re asking too much of Luka.”
The Mavericks are taking games too deep, even against a bottom-ranked team like the Spurs. Doncic's health is a crucial concern, but if they keep relying on him to bail them out nightly, the risk of an injury or fatigue increases.
Dallas has once again put their faith in going with Luka Doncic as their lone superstar. They added Christian Wood, but he isn't a bonafide All-Star. It's been one of the Mavericks' management's significant criticisms so far, as they could be a much better team if they provide Doncic with a co-star.
The Slovenian has shouldered the majority of the responsibilities offensively for the Mavericks. He leads the league in scoring with an average of 34.2 points while playing 36.9 minutes per game, the fifth most in the NBA this season. Doncic is also averaging 8.9 assists per game and has one of the highest usage rates in the league. He has also played in all but four games for the team.
Luka Doncic on a historical tear over last five games
Luka Doncic continues to get better and better. The 3x All-Star is on course to receive another potential first-team All-NBA nomination, first scoring title win and MVP honors. Doncic produced record-breaking performances one after the other, and he amassed another one-of-a-kind milestone following his 50-point night against the San Antonio Spurs.
Doncic became the first player to tally 225+ points, 50+ rebounds and 50+ assists over a five-game span. The Mavericks went 5-0 during that stretch. That may not have been the case if not for Doncic's historical numbers.
Jason Kidd realizes it's unrealistic to expect Doncic to be this good in every other game. The Mavericks' role players must step up and perform consistently to take some load off Doncic's shoulders. At least until the front office decides to change their stance on pairing their best player with another superstar.
The Dallas Mavericks could have a solid chance of acquiring some bonafide All-Star caliber players at the trade deadline. If they do secure a deal of that magnitude, the 2011 champions could soar in the Western Conference standings.