NBA: Could a Team Europe now beat a Team USA?
By Luke Duffy
NBA stars Luka Doncic vs Kawhi Leonard
We already got to see what this would look like when Luka Doncic and his Dallas Mavericks team played Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers in the opening round of last year’s playoffs in the bubble. The Clippers won, although they made hard work of it, and Doncic was dazzling. Chances are it would be more of the same in this game.
Although Doncic would have better teammates around him, so too would Leonard, allowing him to follow Doncic around all day. Such is the build of the Slovenian, the physicality of Leonard would only be able to slow him down so much, although it is a reputation for complaining to referees that has grown out of this happening to Doncic repeatedly.
Kawhi is Kawhi, and right now he might just be quietly turning in the best season of his career, at least from an efficiency standpoint. 26 points a night on 37.6 percent shooting from deep, all while defending at an elite level, is exactly what a Clippers roster that also has Paul George and a whole host of others needs.
If this imaginary game was close, and you would hope that it would be, it would likely be some key plays from Leonard at the right time which swing the game in Team USA’s favor. Not only can you not put a price on that, but it would also likely include doing some of the unseen work to help the team get the W.
Doncic on the other hand would probably have a triple-double and do a bit of everything (seriously, get him in your fantasy lineup if you haven’t already) while looking effortlessly flashy in the process. It would be a fascinating contrast in styles, and unlike in other areas here, you would not be crazy for giving Doncic the nod between the two.