Mavericks: Gregg Popovich offers high praise for Luka Doncic

The Dallas Mavericks overcame a ton to defeat the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 28. They were without four players, including star Kristaps Porzingis, and fell behind by 20 points in the first quarter. Superstar Luka Doncic had just seven points on eight shots in the first half, and it would have been easy for the Mavs to throw in the towel on the first night of a back-to-back and turn their attention to Friday’s game against the Nuggets.

They did not do that. Jalen Brunson and Maxi Kleber sparked the Mavs on a massive run that got them back in the game, and Doncic came alive in the second half to lift his team to a 104-99 win. Dallas has won three straight and is starting to hit their stride.

Legendary Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich had some massive praise for Luka Doncic during his pregame press conference, and the duo was spotted chatting after the Mavericks win. Let us take a closer look.

Gregg Popovich has massive praise for Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic

When asked, Popovich had a ton to say about the Mavs superstar. Below is a small excerpt.

"On a personal level, he really enjoys playing, and I love his emotion. You know, sometimes he gets frustrated, and then he’s angry about something. Sometimes, he’s laughing his ass off and enjoying in the pass that he just threw or the three he hit in your face. And he’s just fun. He’s just fun besides being an unbelievable player."

Fans can read Popovich’s entire quote on Luka Doncic courtesy of Brad Townsend.

Pop is arguably the greatest coach of all time. He led Team USA to an Olympic gold medal this summer to add to his five NBA championship rings, so it was outstanding to hear him offer such high praise for the Mavericks superstar. The pair was spotted chatting and laughing on the court after Thursday’s game as well. Clearly, there is a ton of mutual respect and admiration there.

Luka Doncic is looking to take another step forward this season as he continues to lead the Dallas Mavericks up the standings. The 22-year-old superstar wants to win a championship above all. Can he lead his team on his deep playoff run this year? Stay tuned to find out.