Dallas Mavericks: 5 takeaways for Luka Doncic from ‘The Last Dance’

2. Will and determination are a must

Michael Jordan is an all-time great competitor. Fans saw him betting his security guards on who could throw a quarter closest to the wall. MJ always wanted to compete and win. He needed it.

Jordan also had the will, drive, and determination to put his team on his back. There were plenty of games throughout the run that he decided the Bulls were not going to lose and made a victory happen.

None may be more iconic than Jordan’s “flu game” which we all found out was actually food poisoning in the documentary. He could barely stand, but managed 38 points to propel the Bulls to a two-point victory over the Utah Jazz in game five of the 1997 NBA Finals.

Jordan pulled off a similar feat in game six of the 1998 NBA Finals against the Jazz. Scottie Pippen was injured, so MJ took over for 45 including the game-winning shot in the final seconds to clinch title number six.

Luka Doncic may be in a similar class. He talked frequently about how the Mavs losing impacted him during his rookie season. Doncic left without speaking to the media after multiple difficult defeats this year. He wants to win and is determined to make it happen.

That drive and determination will be a key piece in the Dallas Mavericks’ success moving forward. The need to win is an important first step in getting the job done.

Next: No. 1