I have to play: Luka Dončić makes it clear that he is ready to start over and make up for past setbacks
Luka Dončić, the star player for the Dallas Mavericks, has made it clear that he is prepared to start fresh and overcome the challenges that have impacted his team’s performance in recent seasons. The Slovenian sensation, who has been the cornerstone of the Mavericks’ offense since his arrival in the NBA, spoke candidly about his determination to turn things around in an exclusive interview earlier this week.
“I have to play,” Dončić said, his words resonating with confidence and a sense of urgency. “It’s not just about me, but about the entire team. We’ve faced setbacks, and I’m fully aware of the expectations. I have to step up and do whatever it takes to get us back to the level we know we can reach.”
Dončić’s comments come at a crucial time for the Mavericks. After a promising start to the 2024-2025 NBA season, the team has struggled to maintain consistency and, despite Dončić’s individual brilliance, has found itself on the outside looking in when it comes to playoff contention. The Mavericks, who were expected to be a legitimate title contender, have underperformed, and Dončić is keenly aware of the pressure on his shoulders.
In the interview, Dončić reflected on the recent seasons, acknowledging that he and his teammates have not lived up to their potential. The Mavericks made a high-profile trade to bring in another star player, but chemistry issues and injuries have disrupted their hopes of becoming an elite team in the Western Conference. Despite these challenges, Dončić is determined not to let the setbacks define him or the franchise.
“We’ve had some tough seasons, but that’s part of the game,” Dončić remarked. “You learn from it. I’ve been through ups and downs in my career, and this is just another obstacle. It’s how you respond that matters.”
For the 24-year-old, the stakes are personal as much as they are professional. Dončić has established himself as one of the brightest young talents in the NBA, with a resume that already includes multiple All-Star selections, All-NBA honors, and several historic performances. However, the one thing missing from his career so far is an NBA championship, and Dončić is fully aware that without team success, individual accolades won’t hold the same weight.
“I know what I can do on the court,” Dončić said. “I’ve had great individual seasons, but I want to win with my team. The ultimate goal is a championship, and I’m doing everything I can to make that happen.”
While Dončić has often been lauded for his incredible skill set, basketball IQ, and ability to perform in clutch moments, his critics have pointed out that he has yet to elevate the Mavericks to the heights of contention in the postseason. Despite leading Dallas to the Western Conference Finals in 2022, the Mavericks fell short, and last season they failed to make a deep run into the playoffs, a disappointment that Dončić hasn’t been able to shake off.
“I’m not satisfied with where we are,” he confessed. “I’ve had great moments, but I need more from myself and the team. I can’t just rely on my individual performances. I need to bring the best out of my teammates, and we all need to be on the same page.”
Dončić’s comments also reflect a sense of accountability that is rare for someone so young. At just 24, he is already the leader of the Mavericks, both on and off the court. His leadership is a point of pride, but it also weighs heavily on him as he knows that the Mavericks’ future depends on his ability to inspire and elevate those around him.
This sense of urgency is evident in Dončić’s approach to the remainder of the season. With the trade deadline behind them, the Mavericks are looking for ways to solidify their roster and make a playoff push. The team has struggled to find consistency, with key players like Kyrie Irving battling injuries and other contributors failing to meet expectations. Still, Dončić remains optimistic.
“We have a good group of guys, but we know we have to work harder,” Dončić stated. “The talent is there, but we have to be more consistent, more focused. Every game counts, and we have to take it one game at a time. But I truly believe we can get back on track if we all commit to the same goal.”
One of the keys to the Mavericks’ success lies in Dončić’s ability to balance his scoring prowess with the development of his teammates. His playmaking ability has always been one of his strongest attributes, but with the Mavericks’ supporting cast struggling, he has sometimes felt the need to do it all himself. Moving forward, Dončić is looking to find the right balance between being the offensive focal point while also empowering his teammates.
“Sometimes I have to trust my teammates more, even if it means taking a step back. It’s not easy because I want to win every game, but I know that we need each other. The best teams in this league play together, and we have to build that chemistry,” he explained.
While Dončić is known for his exceptional basketball skills, his mental toughness is equally important as the Mavericks move forward. In a league filled with intense competition and high expectations, the pressure on a player like Dončić can be immense. However, the young star seems unfazed by the challenges ahead.
“I love this game, and I want to keep improving. I know I have to do more, and I’m willing to put in the work,” Dončić said with conviction. “It’s not about what’s happened in the past, it’s about what we do going forward. We have a chance to make something special, and I’m ready for that challenge.”
As the season continues, all eyes will be on Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks. The team’s success, or lack thereof, will largely depend on Dončić’s ability to carry the load while also getting the best out of his teammates. With the playoffs still within reach, there’s no doubt that the Slovenian superstar will leave it all on the court, driven by the desire to finally achieve what has so far eluded him: an NBA championship.
For now, Dončić’s message is clear: He’s ready to start over, put the past behind him, and do whatever it takes to bring the Mavericks back to the pinnacle of the NBA.
“I have to play,” Dončić reiterated, his determination shining through. “We all have to. This is just the beginning.
