Mavericks: 5 ways Luka Doncic can emulate Dirk Nowitzki in the playoffs

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Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic Dirk Nowitzki Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

How Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic can emulate Dirk Nowitzki: 4. Do not bear the weight of the team

At times during his NBA career, Luka has hurt the team by trying to do too much. After those games, he often says he needs to learn from those mistakes and not let them happen again. As an elite player, it is easy to think that they have to do everything for their team to be successful.

Dirk used to think this way. The Mavericks were not an attractive free agency destination, which made it natural for Nowitzki to carry all the weight of the team on his shoulders. The issue got worse after Steve Nash departed for Phoenix in 2004.

The Mavericks GOAT struggled when the keys were handed to him as a young player. It was not normal for a seven-footer to be the face of a franchise, but the Mavs thought differently. Once Dirk was surrounded by those complementing pieces, he took the weight off and was the leader the team needed.

Luka needs to understand and apply this as he continues to grow. On off nights, he must let the game come to him. Doncic cannot force things. He needs to learn to trust his teammates.

Next: No. 3

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