clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Luka Doncic and the Mavericks are stepping up when it matters (Video Breakdown)

Let’s breakdown how Luka Doncic is so effective in clutch moments and how he’s helped the Mavs dramatically improve in crunch time.

NBA: Dallas Mavericks at Denver Nuggets Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Last season the Dallas Mavericks had the worst record in the entire NBA in close games losing an insane 38 of their 50 clutch games.

A Clutch game is defined as a game that is within 5 points at any moment with 5 minutes or less left to play.

The Mavs 38 losses last season were the most since the NBA started tracking clutch games in 1996 when Dirk was 18 years old and wasn’t even in the NBA yet. Basically last year’s Mavs were historically awful in really close games last season.

After 28 games this season the Mavs are 8-6 in clutch games. A major improvement.

Mavs Overall Ratings
Offensive: 107.8
Defensive: 106.6

Mavs Ratings in the Clutch
Offensive: 110.9
Defensive: 100.0

The Mavs are one of 6 teams in the NBA whose Offensive and Defensive Ratings both improve in the Clutch.

Dallas Mavericks
Indiana Pacers
LA Clippers
LA Lakers
Milwaukee Bucks
New York Knicks(!)

Wait, did that just say the Knicks?! Yep, despite a 6-10 record the Knicks Offensive and Defensive Rating are both better in the Clutch.

The biggest difference this year has been Luka Doncic who’s scoring and playmaking abilities seem to heighten at the best moments. And he has just been the best player on the Mavs in crunch time, Luka is leading the entire NBA in Field Goal percentage in the clutch at 63.6% (Among players with similar attempts/games played)

Let’s take a look at how Luka Doncic is so effective in clutch moments and how he’s helped the Mavs dramatically improve in crunch time.

So that’s Luka Doncic in crunch time. He’s leading the league in field goal percentage and helping the Mavs improve across the board in the Clutch.

Thanks for watching, if you enjoyed this video please subscribe to my channel Nick VanExit, follow me on twitter @NickVanExit and subscribe to the Locked On Mavericks Podcast wherever you get your pods.