It may be time for Earvin Johnson to pass on his "Magic" moniker to Luka Doncic, who continues to amaze onlookers on a nightly basis.
Prior to the Mavericks' road game against the Rockets on Sunday, Doncic made a trick shot that bounced off the Toyota Center's video board and swished through the net. His teammates reacted in absolute shock. Rookie Dereck Lively could do nothing but shake his head.
The Mavs' X account used the IYKYK ( if you know, you know) caption along with the video, suggesting that their superstar player attempted the same trick shot during a previous warmup session.
He done did it. IYKYK‼️ @luka7doncic // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/fFCyNriRJu
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) March 31, 2024
Doncic's wizardry was also on display during the game when he made an underhanded shot from near the three-point line after deceiving Rockets forward Jabari Smith with a pump fake.
LUKA GOES UNDERHAND FROM THE 3-POINT LINE
— NBA (@NBA) April 1, 2024
Mavs-Rockets | Live on the NBA App
https://t.co/Ni0ZLrYLMx pic.twitter.com/rQkci0E2bC
The Slovenian star finished with 47 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists as his Mavs won 125-107, snapping the Rockets' 11-game winning streak. With the win, Dallas (45-29) moved to the fifth seed in the West by virtue of owing a tiebreaker against New Orleans (45-29).
While Doncic's sorcery may shock fans who don't follow him regularly, the guard has been wowing teammates and fans with his pregame routines for years. Earlier this year, Doncic told The Athletic that he spontaneously comes up with new trick shots in practice sessions even if he second-guesses himself.
"I like to have fun. So sometimes, I just try some new stuff," Doncic said in February.
Think about it, Mr. Johnson. Luka Magic just rolls off the tongue.
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