Luka Doncic has carved his name into NBA playoff history with a remarkable second-best points average of 31.1, trailing only the legendary ‘Air’ himself, Michael Jordan, who signed him to his sports brand in 2019.
As the NBA Conference Finals unfold, Doncic emerges as one of the most pivotal players remaining in the competition, alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Slovenian sensation delivered a stellar regular season performance, boasting averages of 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists. Remarkably, he has elevated his game even further for the playoffs, maintaining similar averages of 28.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 9 assists while decisively impacting the outcome of games for the Mavericks.
Doncic’s playoff prowess underscores his status as a game-changing player, shining brightly on the grandest stage where true stars are born. Throughout his NBA journey, he has consistently stepped up, particularly in the postseason. In the 43 playoff games he’s played, facing formidable opponents such as the Clippers, Suns, Jazz, Warriors, Thunder, and Wolves, he has demonstrated an exceptional blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, averaging 31.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists.
Such staggering numbers place Doncic in rarefied air, rivaling the legendary Michael Jordan, whose playoff scoring average of 33.4 points remains unparalleled. Surpassing icons like Allen Iverson, Kevin Durant, Jerry West, and LeBron James, Doncic’s offensive prowess cements his legacy among the NBA’s elite.
It’s noteworthy that Doncic’s admiration for Jordan transcends statistical comparisons. Their connection deepened when Jordan welcomed him into his ‘family’ in 2019, signing him to the prestigious Jordan Brand. Reflecting on their encounter at the 2022 All-Star event, Doncic fondly recalls Jordan’s warmth and respect, a moment that holds special significance in his career.
For Doncic, the journey from a wide-eyed rookie to a Jordan Brand athlete symbolizes his ascent to greatness, echoing the footsteps of his idol. As he continues to make his mark on the NBA playoffs, Doncic remains grounded in his reverence for Jordan, acknowledging him as the greatest of all time.