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Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic responsible for recent hot streak

By Jordan Daly

DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics on November 24, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics on November 24, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks started off the season as some expected, losing the majority of their games. After 18 games, however, they’re starting to give fans hope and it’s all thanks to rookie Luka Doncic.

After starting off the season with a record of 2-7, the Dallas Mavericks are now sitting at a comfortable 9-9.  After a recent hot streak of winning seven of the last nine games, the Mavericks are sitting just outside of playoff contention in a tie for ninth place.

The Mavericks have shocked the NBA world as they have now beaten the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz.

Leading the charge for the Mavs is none other than rookie Luka Doncic. The third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft is leading the team with 19.1 points per game. He is responsible for 343 points so far this season. Behind Doncic, by a huge gap, is Harrison Barnes with 239 points.

Behind DeAndre Jordan, Doncic has the second most rebounds with 6.6 per game. He is also second in assists per game, with 4.3 per game, behind J.J. Barea. Doncic is tied for first with Dorian Finney-Smith in steals, as they both have 18 so far this season.

Doncic has been shooting remarkably well at 45.3 percent. He is also leading the team in 3-point shooting percentage, shooting the 3-ball at 39.6 percent.

Throughout the recent win streak, Doncic has made some remarkable plays. One notable play was in the Mavs’ recent game against Boston. As the shot clock expired, Doncic put Celtics guard Kyrie Irving on skates, as he hit a deep 3 to extend Dallas’ lead.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1066511108914233346

Although breathtaking, this is nothing new for Doncic. In the Mavs’ game against the Brooklyn Nets, he made a very similar play to hit the deep contested 3 as the shot clock expired. With his clutch ability now proven, the Mavericks will want the ball in his hands if there is ever a game on the line.

Doncic has proven time and time again that he can be reliable. There is nowhere to go but up for him as his potential seems to be limitless. Due to his performances, he is a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, along with other talented rookies like Deandre Ayton and Trae Young.

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With a talented young team, and 13-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki set to return soon, the Mavericks are a serious playoff contender, and Luka Doncic can help lead them there.

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