Dirk Nowitzki and Shaquille O’Neal talk how NBA crowds ‘can’t rattle’ Luka Doncic

Former Dallas Mavericks' legend, Dirk Nowitzki was full of praise for Luka Doncic on the Big Podcast.

Dirk Nowitzki and Shaquille O’Neal talk how NBA crowds ‘can’t rattle’ Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic, Dirk Nowitzki and Shaquille O'Neal

The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks (107-89) in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals. Notably, the Mavs star man Luka Doncic‘s efforts weren’t enough for his side to secure the victory against the Celtics. Recently, Doncic’s former teammate and the Mavs’ legend, Dirk Nowitzki claimed how NBA crowds ‘can’t rattle’ Doncic on “The Big Podcast” alongside Shaquille O’Neal.

On the “Big Podcast” Nowitzki claimed that Doncic had been playing basketball in a hostile environment since he was 13 years old. He also claimed that Doncic used to play with players much older than him and this is one of the reasons why Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA. In addition, Doncic was named the WCF Finals MVP in his side’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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I mean he's been playing against grown men since probably 13/14 and then practicing with real men and then playing on the biggest stage there in Europe...I mean, he's seen and done a lot of stuff before he even came over (to the NBA). And, yeah he's just got that confidence about him...that he just cant be rattled!
Dirk Nowitzki said on “The Big Podcast”

On the sports side, Doncic and the Mavs were on the losing side against the Celtics in Game 1. However, Doncic dropped 30 points, gathered 10 rebounds, and provided 1 assist against the Celtics in Game 1. It remains to be seen how Doncic and Co perform in Game 2 against the Celtics side.

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Luka Doncic holds Dirk Nowitzki in high regard

The Dallas Mavericks‘ star man Luka Doncic opened up on his former teammate Dirk Nowitzki ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. Doncic was full of praise for Nowitzki as he claimed to the reporters that Nowtizki helped him a lot and was an amazing player. He also claimed that he did not get a lot of time to play with Nowitzki and wished he would have gotten more time.

It was surreal to be on the same team as Dirk Nowitzki. Obviously, I wish could play with him more. His last season, my first, was amazing. Just to experience. He helped me a lot just coming into the NBA, not knowing what to expect, what kind of player I am going to be. He helped me a lot just seeing him work every day.
Luka Doncic told the reports ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals

On the contrary, the Celtics beat the Mavs side in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Doncic’s other former teammate, Kristaps Porzingis came back to haunt him and the Mavs. Porzingis dropped 20 points and 5 rebounds in his side’s Game 1 victory at the TD Garden. It will be intriguing to see how Doncic and the Mavs perform in Game 2 of this series.

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