The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

Dallas Mavericks: Three reasons Luka Doncic is the Rookie of the Decade

By Kohl Rast

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 23: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on smiling as he returns to the bench against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on March 23, 2019 in Oakland, California. 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. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 23: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on smiling as he returns to the bench against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on March 23, 2019 in Oakland, California. 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. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 4: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics on January 4, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 4: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics on January 4, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Clutch Shooting

Maybe the most impressive part of Luka’s all-around game this season has been his clutch shooting. For a large part of the season, Luka had what was considered the 2nd best field goal percentage in the league when it came to clutch situations. A clutch situation is described as five minutes left in regulation with the score within five points.

Luka’s shooting percentage has not stayed at that ridiculous rate, but he has still proven to be one of the best shooters in the league when the game is on the line. Let’s look back at a couple moments.

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1077209882879766528

This is not only one of the most impressive plays from Luka Doncic so far this season, this is one of the most impressive shots from the NBA all season. Luka has a knack for getting to the right spot and hitting some of the most ridiculous shots while making it look easy. He may not have the sweet shooting stroke of Steph Curry, but he does have the ability to make crazy three-point shots look effortless.

Then there is this one. This shot was not as big or noteworthy as the one against the Blazers, but it shows the ability Luka has to see the opening and capitalize on it. Despite the opening, this is still a tough shot to pull-up off the dribble in the face of a seven-footer. Luka does it with ease in a super clutch moment, down by one.

Luka currently has 110 clutch points this year in 35 clutch situations. The only players with more than that in a rookie season over the past 10 years were Derrick Rose with 118 points in 43 clutch games and Brandon Jennings with a whopping 138 points in 42 clutch games. Others who have topped 100 clutch points in a season are: Damian Lillard (101), Tyreke Evans (104) and Trae Young (105).

Luka may not be the best clutch shooting rookie in the past 10 years, but he is the best clutch shooting rookie that is also the best all-around player. Clutch shooting is an added bonus to an already stellar resume for the young Slovenian.

Next: Doing It All