(01-01-2023, 03:30 PM)SleepingHero Wrote: Luka had probably one of the best weeks in NBA history:
12/25- 32pts 9rbd 9ast
12/27- 60pts 21rbd 10ast
12/29- 35pts 12rbd 13ast
12/31- 51pts 6rbd 9ast
Avg: 44.5ppg 12rpg 10apg on 60.8% FG and 50% from 3. Mavs 4-0.
Just what in the actual F. Deserves a unanimous dirkie to cap off that week.
And making the challenge of at least 50 against Pop. Somewhat similar to Ali that did to raise to challanges that in that case he himself put up.
Also the run includes some pure Magic finishes and assists that the sport has rarely or maybe never seen.
All that said, the key has been the lowering of double teams. Not to take anything away from Luka, as he previous to now has seen record number of doubling. And lowering of double teams is due to Wood and SD and the way they have started to be used as quick double outlets, in particular Wood. But both being there at the same time around Luka is what made that happen. Wood as a quick double outlet has been extremely efficient and made teams think twice before doubling. Luka has been destroying the single coverage as good as anyone in history (Wilt, MJ like stuff we have seen). The key to a title means another caliber player with similar skillset as Wood and SD, that can attack and finish at the rim in addition to shoot. Then Luka may se largely single teams rest of the season, and I believe we may then see even bigger performances. Luka has the talent level to make a 80 or even 100 point game at some point in his career, but it will never occur if he is doubled, so it is about the circumstances such as rest of the team etc.