“Didn’t like playing with him…” Ex-Mavs players claims Luka Doncic’s and Kristaps Porzingis ‘beef’ will play role in Finals

The NBA 2024 Finals would see familiar faces meet once again in a clash of giants.

“Didn’t like playing with him…” Ex-Mavs players claims Luka Doncic’s and Kristaps Porzingis ‘beef’ will play role in Finals

Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis

Chandler Parsons revealed on ‘Run It Back TV’ that there is a genuine beef between Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, which stemmed from their time as teammates on the Dallas Mavericks. According to Parsons, Doncic did not enjoy playing with Porzingis, and the fans in Dallas did not like Porzingis due to his injuries and underperformance during his time with the team.

Parsons explained that Dallas fans are particularly passionate and hold grudges against players who do not meet their expectations. Kristaps Porzingis joined the Mavericks with high expectations but struggled to meet them consistently due to injuries and a lack of chemistry with Luka Doncic. 

It will be way more, you know, violent towards Kyrie Irving in Boston, no doubt, but don't get twisted. They do not like Porzingis in Dallas. Luka did not like playing with him. There is an actual beef there where it's going to be every time he touches the ball he's getting booed.
Chandler Parsons said on ‘Run It Back TV’

As Porzingis prepares to face his former team in the NBA Finals with the Boston Celtics, the tension is palpable. Parsons noted that Porzingis will likely want to prove a point against his former team, and the hostility towards him in Dallas will be evident every time he touches the ball. While the animosity towards Kyrie Irving in Boston may be more intense, the beef between Doncic and Porzingis adds an intriguing subplot to the NBA Finals.

Doncic and Mavericks ready for NBA Finals showdown against Celtics

The Dallas Mavericks advanced to the NBA Finals with a dominant 124-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals. Luka Doncic led the way with an impressive 36-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist performance, as he showcased his incredible skill and versatility.

When asked about the Boston Celtics, their next opponents in the NBA Finals, Doncic showed respect and admiration, as he called them the best team in the NBA with “incredible weapons on offense and defense.” He acknowledged that the Mavericks will need to play really hard and amazing basketball to beat them.

They're the best team in the NBA. They had by far the best record. They have some incredible weapons on offense and defense, so we're gonna have to play really hard and amazing basketball to beat them.
Luka Doncic said in the post game interview
YouTube video

Doncic, a top-five player in the NBA, has been instrumental in the Mavericks’ playoff run, as he has averaged 28.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game through the first 17 playoff games. The Mavericks, seeded fifth in the Western Conference, will face the Celtics in Game 1 on June 6 in Boston, looking to continue their impressive postseason run.

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