Luka Doncic: I Have To Learn To Calm Myself Down

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic knows he still has a lot to learn as an NBA player, despite his ridiculous numbers.

Luka Doncic (20), surpassed a Michael Jordan record during Sunday’s 110 – 106 loss to the Sacramento Kings. He now has the most consecutive 20-point, 5-rebound, 5-assist games in NBA history, with 19. 

Such incredible numbers have become commonplace this season as Luka Doncic has lead the Mavs to a 16 – 7 record.

However, after Sunday’s game, it was his altercation with the officials that was the talking point.

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Doncic launched into an expletive-filled outburst at the officials once the buzzer sounded against the Kings. His issue was a no-call on his shot with 7.7 seconds remaining.

He felt he should have had the two free throws that could have allowed Dallas to tie the game. His frustration is somewhat understandable, as the Mavericks had at one point trailed by 24 points. 

Doncic, who finished with 27 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists, acknowledged that he needs to keep his cool.

“Yeah, for sure. But my thing is, I’m passionate for the game,” said Doncic.

“I want to win, and I just sometimes get out of control, because I want to win the whole time. I’m competitive. You can ask my family. Even if it’s not basketball, if it’s anything, I’m so competitive. But, yeah, I’ve got to work on that for sure.”

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“I know how to [approach officials], but like I say, I’m passionate. I know a lot of times I’m wrong. Persons are wrong sometimes, and I’ve just got to learn to calm myself down and go to the next play.”

Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle was understanding of his young star after the game.

“Look, he’s a guy that gets hit a lot. People take a lot of liberties on him. I was here for 11 years with Dirk Nowitzki, who people constantly took shots at, were trying to get physical with, trying to distract him, everything else. Everybody in the league is trying to do it with Doncic, too. He’s tough. He can handle all of it, but when he comes over to the bench and he’s got scratches and blood marks on his arms and hands, I know there’s something there.”