Luka Doncic has surprising praise for OG Anunoby after Mavericks loss to Raptors

The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Toronto Raptors 105-100 on Saturday night, despite an impressive performance from Luka Doncic. Toronto was sending two players at number 77 nearly every possession, but he still managed to produce 24 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, two steals, and one block in 43 minutes of action. Doncic was eight of 15 from the field, and he kept making the right plays.

The Mavs did not give Luka enough help in Toronto. Spencer Dinwiddie finished with 15 points and seven assists, but he was limited to 28 minutes by foul trouble. The shooting struggles continued for Tim Hardaway Jr. and Reggie Bullock, which cost Dallas a win against the shorthanded Raptors.

Luka offered some surprising and impressive praise for Raptors forward OG Anunoby after the game. See what Doncic had to say here as we take a closer look at Anunoby's impressive performance.

Luka Doncic has surprising praise for OG Anunoby after Dallas Mavericks loss to Raptors

Doncic was asked about matching up against Anunoby, and how the Raptors forward played on Saturday night in his postgame press conference. Fans can read Luka’s response below.

"He’s an amazing player, and I would say on both ends. I think he’s the steals leader in the NBA, but on the offensive end, he’s got so much better. I respect his game, and he’s an amazing player to compete against."

Luka helped Anunoby back to his feet, while the ball was still in play on Nov. 26, and he said this about that moment.

"I think he is probably one of the nicest dudes in the league. He never talks trash. He never do anything, and I tripped him. Not on purpose, so that is why I helped him up."

Anunoby finished with 26 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks on Saturday night as he went nine of 19 from the field in his 43 minutes of action. The 6’7 forward does lead the league in steals, and he has taken another step forward this season.

The Dallas Mavericks are in the middle of a rough patch. They have lost three straight and four of their last five games. The Mavs need to shoot and rebound better if they want to get back on track, and hopefully, that begins on Sunday night in Milwaukee. Stay tuned to find out.