Luka Doncic’s exhibition vs Unics Kazan included a new EuroLeague career-high in assists with 11 (previous one was 9) along with some play-making that brought us in mind a certain EuroLeague legend…
Early into the second period of tonight’s (9/1) EuroLeague game against Unics Kazan, Real Madrid was trailing 20 – 17. No biggie, deficit-wise, yet the truth was that the “Blancos” faced some obvious offensive problems.
17 wasn’t much of a number after 11 minutes, especially given the fact that the Spanish power averages 21.6 per quarter in this season’s edition of the competition.
17 year-old Luka Doncic put on a show in 2016 when Real Madrid faced OKC in Preseason action.
Luka returns to Madrid with the Mavs to face his old team on Oct. 10 (2:45pm/et on NBA TV) 👀 pic.twitter.com/7IKmMm04Oj
— NBA (@NBA) October 4, 2023
Also, with Sergio Llull being unable to facilitate his team’s battle plan for others, or create successful plays for himself as he usually does, plus the notable absence of Rudy Fernandez, Real was largely depended on Gustavo Ayon taking it to the basket. He had dropped 10 points after 10 minutes, either after high-low connections or second-chance opportunities.
But this mode wasn’t as effective as needed and it was becoming dangerously predictable for Real in a moment when Unics began adding more players in its scoring equation.
It was then that Luka Doncic, who had come off the bench in the last moments of the first period, began handling playmaking duties.
His presence rejuvenated his team’s offense and brought a complete metamorphosis to its attacks to the basket. The sluggish caterpillar that was Real’s offense until that point, turned to something graceful with fluid motion, beautiful ball movement and, more importantly, increased bucket delivery.
In the next eight minutes, the 17-year-old guard dished out no less than six assists to his teammates, helping Real Madrid lead 43 – 36 at halftime.
Most of these passes came from long or mid-range. Being the tallest point guard on the floor (2.01 m./6.7 ft), his height enhances his already advanced court vision and allows him to work like an all-seeing, all-knowing panoptikon. With eyes everywhere and nothing escaping his vigilant looks, Doncic can scan the field, anticipating every move and, more importantly, knowing when and how to strike with a pass that will slice the opposing defense in half.
Now, The NBA star, 24 Luka Doncic is a dad with his fiancée Anamaria Goltes, 25
