In a game for the ages, the Golden State Warriors came out on top at home taking a 2-0 lead in the series. Despite being up big, the Dallas Mavericks couldn’t hold on. They slowed down in the second half and allowed the seasoned Warriors to steal the show. However, NBA fans couldn’t help but applaud the performance of 23-year-old superstar Luka Doncic. His monster night went in vain as fans compared his game to Michael Jordan’s infamous flu game in 1997.
Age has been nothing but a number to Doncic so far in his NBA career. The Mavericks star has stepped up whenever needed and carried his tea through tough nights. But he can only do so much as the lone megastar on the team. He has been one of the best players in these playoffs averaging a whopping 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. However, leaning on their young budding superstar did not prove enough tonight.
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Fans empathized with Doncic and compared his herculean effort to MJ’s flu game back in 1997.
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Luka Doncic puts in his all but comes up short against the Warriors
In 1197, the Bulls faced a major shock. Michael Jordan had food poisoning in midst of the NBA finals. No one expected him to suit up. However, as a true competitor, Jordan did the impossible. Not only did he go out on the floor, but His Airness went on to score 38 points and dragged the Bulls to an iconic win over the Jazz. He was later carried off the court by Scottie Pippen who later said, “It was easy. He carried me for like 11 seasons. It was great. You know me and Michael, we have a special bond. We’ve been together for so long.”
In a showing of true competitiveness against the Warriors, Doncic also put his heart out on the floor. However, the All-Star guard wasn’t able to will his team to victory. Despite that, fans gave the 23-year-old superstar his credit.
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Doncic started off hot scoring 18 points in the first quarter alone. The Mavericks led by as much as 19 at one point in the game as Luka scored 24 points in the first half. However, things started falling apart in the third as the Mavericks scored just 13 points as a whole. Despite putting on points in the 4th quarter, the Warrior had found their touch. A 42-piece effort from Doncic went into a losing effort as the Mavs dropped Game 2 despite having the upper hand.
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While they are down in the series, the Mavericks will now head to Dallas. And one thing is for sure is that Luka is going to be at his best. He has been one of the best players in important games, and when the time comes, Doncic will deliver. Do you think the Mavericks can surprise the NBA once again? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Essentially Sports
