Breaking: Luka Dončić Says He Will Not Complete The 6 Years Contract With Mavericks….
One of the reasons the Dallas Mavericks are one win away from the Western Conference semifinals is because of the underrated play of Derrick Jones Jr.
The 2020 Slam Dunk Contest champion averages 9.4 points and 4.2 rebounds on 55.9 percent shooting in this playoffs, and he is coming off a superb Game 5 performance on Wednesday where he had 12 points, three rebounds, and three blocks on 5-of-7 shooting from the floor.
This is remarkable for Derrick Jones Jr. because he wasn’t supposed to be here in the first place, as he has bounced around the league and was only signed to a minimum deal by the Dallas Mavericks last summer.
“I was undrafted, I went into situations where I wasn’t supposed to be on the roster or playing,” Jones said after Game 5. “I fought my way into a roster spot and I fought my way into the rotation. I’m (going to) keep fighting until the day I die, that’s just who I am. I always fight and I never give up.”
Luka Doncic retweeted the quote and called Derrick Jones Jr. “very very underrated,” and the Dallas Mavericks forward showed love back to his star teammate.
Derrick Jones Jr. becoming the Dallas Mavericks’ X-factor
Derrick Jones Jr. was given the primary assignment of guarding the Los Angeles Clippers’ best players, but he has done more than that so far in the series.
On the offensive end, despite not being known as a knockdown shooter, Jones has shot at a respectable rate from three-point land (41.7 percent) to help space the floor for the Dallas Mavericks, and he’s also great at finishing at the rim.
Whatever happens from here on out, the Dallas Mavericks have to re-sign him this coming offseason since he has become a valuable player in the team.
Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks defied injury and illness to showcase a remarkable performance in Game 5 against the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite dealing with a right knee sprain and an upper respiratory illness, Dončić’s stat line boasted 35 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. This stellar display propelled the Mavericks to a resounding 123-93 victory on the road, giving them a 3-2 lead in the series.
In the aftermath of a Game 4 loss, Dončić expressed a personal responsibility to support his teammate Kyrie Irving more effectively. His determination to fulfill this pledge was evident in his outstanding performance in Game 5, where he not only met but exceeded expectations, showcasing leadership and resilience in equal measure.
Dončić’s dominance on the court was unparalleled, with his 35 points overshadowing every other player. Despite the absence of Kawhi Leonard due to injury, the Clippers struggled to match the Mavericks’ intensity, shooting poorly from both the field and beyond the arc. The Mavericks capitalized on this opportunity, outscoring the Clippers by a significant margin in the later stages of the game.
Fans and analysts alike marveled at Dončić’s ability to perform at such a high level despite his physical ailments. His resilience and determination earned widespread admiration, with many praising his leadership and skill under pressure.
As the series shifts back to Dallas for Game 6, the Mavericks are in a prime position to clinch the series win and advance to the next round. Dončić’s heroic performance has not only boosted his team’s chances but has also solidified his status as one of the NBA’s premier talents, earning him accolades and respect from all corners of the basketball world.