As the NBA Finals approach this Thursday, all eyes are on Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks’ phenomenal leader, as he stands on the cusp of a historic achievement. Unlike previous high-scoring players who have faltered in the playoffs, Doncic aims to defy the odds and lead his team to an NBA title with a style of play that’s been rarely successful in Finals history.
Luka Doncic’s Quest for the Title
The NBA has always celebrated the success of well-rounded teams, but this season, Luka Doncic has turned the usual team-centric approach on its head. With a co-pilot like Kyrie Irving by his side, it might seem like a balanced duo, yet the Mavericks’ reliance on Doncic is palpable.
As the league’s top scorer, Doncic has a usage rate of 35.98, positioning him 20th all-time. This staggering statistic means that 36% of the Mavericks’ plays end with Doncic making a move, whether he’s shooting, drawing a foul, or turning the ball over.
Historically, players with such high usage rates haven’t fared well in the pursuit of the championship. Notable names like Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have all seen their high-usage seasons end without a championship ring.
In fact, out of the top 20 players with the highest usage rates in a season, only Michael Jordan in 1993 has managed to win a championship—and his usage rate that year ranks 44th all-time.
A Historical Perspective
Here’s a closer look at how other high-usage players have fared in the playoffs:
- Russell Westbrook (2016-2017) and James Harden (2018-2019) were both ousted early in the playoffs, despite their heavy involvement in their teams’ offenses.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, despite being a two-time MVP, couldn’t translate his regular-season dominance to playoff success in the years he had top usage rates.
- Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson, both legendary for their ability to carry teams, also couldn’t turn their solo missions into championships during their highest usage seasons.
Interestingly, before this year, Allen Iverson held the record for the highest usage rate for a player reaching the NBA Finals, with his 2001 campaign ranking 22nd all-time. Now, Doncic is not only breaking that record but also looking to shatter the notion that a high-usage player can’t win it all.
The Challenge Ahead: Boston Celtics’ Defense
Boston’s top-ranked defense poses a formidable challenge for Doncic. Yet, if his performance against Minnesota in the last round—where he averaged 32.4 points per game—is anything to go by, stopping him might be a taller order than anticipated. The Celtics will need to find a way to contain him if they hope to prevent the Mavericks from pulling off what could be one of the biggest upsets in NBA Finals history.
In conclusion, Luka Doncic is not just playing for the championship; he’s aiming to redefine what an individual can achieve in the team-oriented landscape of the NBA. If he succeeds, his season will not only be historic but will also serve as a testament to his unrivaled ability to dominate the game of basketball at the highest level.
Source: Yardbarker
