Luka Doncic taunts Vlade Divac after beating Kings: 'He should have drafted me'
The Kings infamously selected Marvin Bagley III over Doncic during the 2018 NBA Draft. Kings executive Vlade Divac made the call, passing up on his fellow Balkan native for the Duke product. Doncic reminded Divac of his draft mistake Friday towards the end of the Mavericks’ 107-103 win over the Kings at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. With four second left in the contest, Doncic sank a free throw to put the Mavs up by four. The Kings took a timeout, which gave Doncic the chance to wave goodbye to Divac while walking toward the Mavs’ bench. Doncic then appeared to repeatedly mutter “he should have drafted me” once the Mavs star got to the sideline.
Source: Larry Brown Sports
Source: Larry Brown Sports
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
The Mavericks are 🔟-0⃣ in the last 10 games with Luka Doncic 🔥 pic.twitter.com/y0Fe82AMXt – 5:50 AM
The Mavericks are 🔟-0⃣ in the last 10 games with Luka Doncic 🔥 pic.twitter.com/y0Fe82AMXt – 5:50 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Luka Doncic waved at former Kings GM Vlade Divac and said “He should have drafted me” 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ao2ztXLvMj – 4:07 AM
Luka Doncic waved at former Kings GM Vlade Divac and said “He should have drafted me” 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ao2ztXLvMj – 4:07 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
After securing the game, Luka Doncic pointed at Vlade Divac and said “He should have drafted me.”
This is crazy 😲
pic.twitter.com/qOLFAXsMBX – 3:29 AM
After securing the game, Luka Doncic pointed at Vlade Divac and said “He should have drafted me.”
This is crazy 😲
pic.twitter.com/qOLFAXsMBX – 3:29 AM
Mark Followill @MFollowill
Mavs win in Sacramento for many reasons. Ability to respond to runs, good defense, clutch execution and of course the LuKai backcourt. Kyrie a team high 30 points and Luka had 26 points & 12 assists. And highlights from our telecast of what Kyrie and Luka did is right here 👇 pic.twitter.com/jfMzRJr4c2 – 3:15 AM
Mavs win in Sacramento for many reasons. Ability to respond to runs, good defense, clutch execution and of course the LuKai backcourt. Kyrie a team high 30 points and Luka had 26 points & 12 assists. And highlights from our telecast of what Kyrie and Luka did is right here 👇 pic.twitter.com/jfMzRJr4c2 – 3:15 AM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Thought exercise: if Dallas finishes fourth or fifth in the Western Conference, where does that put Luka for you in the MVP race? As opposed to when Dallas was in the eighth spot? – 2:57 AM
Thought exercise: if Dallas finishes fourth or fifth in the Western Conference, where does that put Luka for you in the MVP race? As opposed to when Dallas was in the eighth spot? – 2:57 AM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Here’s what Luka, Kyrie, Exum and Kidd had to say about Exum’s game-clinching shot and the gutsy win over the Sacramento Kings Friday night.
mavs.com/mavs-crown-kin… – 2:32 AM
Here’s what Luka, Kyrie, Exum and Kidd had to say about Exum’s game-clinching shot and the gutsy win over the Sacramento Kings Friday night.
mavs.com/mavs-crown-kin… – 2:32 AM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
For the record, Doncic said he bloodied his left knee and that “”the right one I fell on it twice. Then on a step-back I hurt it a little bit more, but it’s fine. It’ll be fine.” – 1:41 AM
For the record, Doncic said he bloodied his left knee and that “”the right one I fell on it twice. Then on a step-back I hurt it a little bit more, but it’s fine. It’ll be fine.” – 1:41 AM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
I asked Doncic if he thought about the fact that his first game with Irving last February was here — and how far they and the Mavericks have come since that 133-128 OT loss. (Also, when I asked, he smiled and declined to reveal the “special stuff” ingredient in his drink). pic.twitter.com/U3dz65b2Qe – 1:35 AM
I asked Doncic if he thought about the fact that his first game with Irving last February was here — and how far they and the Mavericks have come since that 133-128 OT loss. (Also, when I asked, he smiled and declined to reveal the “special stuff” ingredient in his drink). pic.twitter.com/U3dz65b2Qe – 1:35 AM
Chris Palmer @ChrisPalmerNBA
Victor Wembanyama is the youngest player in NBA History to record at least 40 points, 20 rebounds & 7 assists. Others: Kareem, Wilt, Luka, Oscar. None were rookies.
Tim Duncan never did this. To the Victor go the spoils. pic.twitter.com/I8sI8krY6m – 1:05 AM
Victor Wembanyama is the youngest player in NBA History to record at least 40 points, 20 rebounds & 7 assists. Others: Kareem, Wilt, Luka, Oscar. None were rookies.
Tim Duncan never did this. To the Victor go the spoils. pic.twitter.com/I8sI8krY6m – 1:05 AM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
“I know he was bleeding (on his knee), but I didn’t know he was limping,” Kidd said of Doncic. He looks fine to me. He was excited in the locker room after the win.” – 12:45 AM
“I know he was bleeding (on his knee), but I didn’t know he was limping,” Kidd said of Doncic. He looks fine to me. He was excited in the locker room after the win.” – 12:45 AM
Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins
I’m almost convinced that Kyrie and Luka just might be the most dangerous duo in the League. Huge W for the Mavs tonight against the Kings! – 12:40 AM
I’m almost convinced that Kyrie and Luka just might be the most dangerous duo in the League. Huge W for the Mavs tonight against the Kings! – 12:40 AM
Jimmy Spencer @JimmySpencer
Luka shooting toward the Kings basket on that ‘take foul’ made me wonder:
If you were fouled on a shot that went into the opponent’s basket, would the basket for the other team count like an and-1? – 12:26 AM
Luka shooting toward the Kings basket on that ‘take foul’ made me wonder:
If you were fouled on a shot that went into the opponent’s basket, would the basket for the other team count like an and-1? – 12:26 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Mavs sweep two-game set in Sacramento to position themselves to claim 6 seed or better. Dallas has won last 10 games with Luka Doncic in the lineup. – 12:26 AM
Mavs sweep two-game set in Sacramento to position themselves to claim 6 seed or better. Dallas has won last 10 games with Luka Doncic in the lineup. – 12:26 AM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Kings fall to the Mavericks 107-103. Dallas and Sacramento split the season series as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combine for 56 points. – 12:24 AM
Kings fall to the Mavericks 107-103. Dallas and Sacramento split the season series as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combine for 56 points. – 12:24 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Luka tonight:
26 PTS
9 REB
12 AST
2 STL
Mavs have won 10 straight when Luka plays. statmuse.com/nba/player/luk… – 12:23 AM
Luka tonight:
26 PTS
9 REB
12 AST
2 STL
Mavs have won 10 straight when Luka plays. statmuse.com/nba/player/luk… – 12:23 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
The Mavericks are 12-0 when Luka and Gafford are both in the starting lineup. pic.twitter.com/zyRHMGs91s – 12:23 AM
The Mavericks are 12-0 when Luka and Gafford are both in the starting lineup. pic.twitter.com/zyRHMGs91s – 12:23 AM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Luka Doncic buries a three and grabs at that right knee again. – 11:55 PM
Luka Doncic buries a three and grabs at that right knee again. – 11:55 PM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Kings guard Malik Monk injured after Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic falls on top of him
sacbee.com/sports/nba/sac… – 11:54 PM
Kings guard Malik Monk injured after Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic falls on top of him
sacbee.com/sports/nba/sac… – 11:54 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
A 22-22 3rd period and the Kings lead the Mavs 82-73 as they head to the 4th in Sacramento. De’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes lead the Kings with 17 points each, while Luka Doncic has 19 for Dallas. – 11:50 PM
A 22-22 3rd period and the Kings lead the Mavs 82-73 as they head to the 4th in Sacramento. De’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes lead the Kings with 17 points each, while Luka Doncic has 19 for Dallas. – 11:50 PM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
Refs are letting both teams play and be physical.
Unless of course Luka gets bumped. – 11:29 PM
Refs are letting both teams play and be physical.
Unless of course Luka gets bumped. – 11:29 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Luka Doncic seemed to hurt his right leg before the end of the half on this play here before the end of the first half and then kicking a chair on the bench. He’s back on the floor to begin the 3rd quarter for Dallas. pic.twitter.com/n5j90KiQpV – 11:26 PM
Luka Doncic seemed to hurt his right leg before the end of the half on this play here before the end of the first half and then kicking a chair on the bench. He’s back on the floor to begin the 3rd quarter for Dallas. pic.twitter.com/n5j90KiQpV – 11:26 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic warmed up and didn’t seem to be favoring his leg, but as he walked off he stretched his neck, on which he briefly received some sideline attention during the first half. pic.twitter.com/RBDkTZs8yU – 11:19 PM
Doncic warmed up and didn’t seem to be favoring his leg, but as he walked off he stretched his neck, on which he briefly received some sideline attention during the first half. pic.twitter.com/RBDkTZs8yU – 11:19 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Luka Doncic was shaken up before the end of the half. He limped over to the official at the end of the half to point to his right leg then limp over towards the Mavs tunnel, but not before kicking a chair on the Dallas bench – 11:06 PM
Luka Doncic was shaken up before the end of the half. He limped over to the official at the end of the half to point to his right leg then limp over towards the Mavs tunnel, but not before kicking a chair on the Dallas bench – 11:06 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Mavs trailed by as much as 57-42, but closed the half with a 9-3 run to pull within 60-51. Hobbled Doncic is obviously the main concern at the moment. – 11:06 PM
Mavs trailed by as much as 57-42, but closed the half with a 9-3 run to pull within 60-51. Hobbled Doncic is obviously the main concern at the moment. – 11:06 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Kings lead 60-51 at the half, with former Mav Harrison Barnes pouring in 17 points. Worth watching in the second half is how Luka Doncic moves. He took a hard fall and was grabbing his right leg for the final seconds of the half. He walked gingerly to the locker room. – 11:05 PM
Kings lead 60-51 at the half, with former Mav Harrison Barnes pouring in 17 points. Worth watching in the second half is how Luka Doncic moves. He took a hard fall and was grabbing his right leg for the final seconds of the half. He walked gingerly to the locker room. – 11:05 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic stayed in through the end of the half, but clearly hobbled after taking that fall. Kept reaching to his right thigh/knee area. pic.twitter.com/l4v0pMw7jZ – 11:05 PM
Doncic stayed in through the end of the half, but clearly hobbled after taking that fall. Kept reaching to his right thigh/knee area. pic.twitter.com/l4v0pMw7jZ – 11:05 PM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Luka Doncic appears to be in a lot of pain after hurting his right knee at the end of the first half. – 11:04 PM
Luka Doncic appears to be in a lot of pain after hurting his right knee at the end of the first half. – 11:04 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Luka tries one from the logo and misses. Fox tries one from the arc and knocks it down. 49-35 Kings lead. – 10:54 PM
Luka tries one from the logo and misses. Fox tries one from the arc and knocks it down. 49-35 Kings lead. – 10:54 PM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
The Kings have ruled Malik Monk out the rest of the night with a right knee issue. Luka Doncic landed hard on Monk after a first quarter drive. Grabbed his knee. Limped to the locker room. – 10:40 PM
The Kings have ruled Malik Monk out the rest of the night with a right knee issue. Luka Doncic landed hard on Monk after a first quarter drive. Grabbed his knee. Limped to the locker room. – 10:40 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic exited the game and walked through the tunnel. Didn’t appear to be limping. – 10:33 PM
Doncic exited the game and walked through the tunnel. Didn’t appear to be limping. – 10:33 PM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
Luka Doncic just subbed out and went straight back to the locker room. – 10:33 PM
Luka Doncic just subbed out and went straight back to the locker room. – 10:33 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Beautiful sequence for the Mavs as Luka Doncic gets caught in the air, passes the ball into the paint. Teammate gives it right back to Luka, who then lobs it to Lively for an easy dunk. Mavs need more of it, trailing 32-21. – 10:33 PM
Beautiful sequence for the Mavs as Luka Doncic gets caught in the air, passes the ball into the paint. Teammate gives it right back to Luka, who then lobs it to Lively for an easy dunk. Mavs need more of it, trailing 32-21. – 10:33 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Here’s a look at what happened to Malik Monk, clutched his right knee which Luka Doncic landed on. Monk is now in the Kings locker room. pic.twitter.com/DwAcjc9fZO – 10:32 PM
Here’s a look at what happened to Malik Monk, clutched his right knee which Luka Doncic landed on. Monk is now in the Kings locker room. pic.twitter.com/DwAcjc9fZO – 10:32 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
Malik Monk fouled Luka Doncic, who fell on his leg after. Monk was down for a moment before limping his way to the Kings locker room. – 10:26 PM
Malik Monk fouled Luka Doncic, who fell on his leg after. Monk was down for a moment before limping his way to the Kings locker room. – 10:26 PM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Malik Monk is leaving the game and heading to the locker room after Luka Doncic fell on his right leg. – 10:25 PM
Malik Monk is leaving the game and heading to the locker room after Luka Doncic fell on his right leg. – 10:25 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Luka ran over Malik Monk. He’s up, but he’s limping straight to the locker room. – 10:25 PM
Luka ran over Malik Monk. He’s up, but he’s limping straight to the locker room. – 10:25 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Scary moment: Glad Monk is OK — and Doncic clearly feels likewise. – 10:25 PM
Scary moment: Glad Monk is OK — and Doncic clearly feels likewise. – 10:25 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Most points in a season in Mavericks history:
Mark Aguirre (1983-84) 2,330
Dirk Nowitzki (2005-2006) 2,151
Luka Doncic (this season) 2,139
Doncic (2022-23) 2,137
Nowitzki (2008-2009) 2,094 – 10:15 PM
Most points in a season in Mavericks history:
Mark Aguirre (1983-84) 2,330
Dirk Nowitzki (2005-2006) 2,151
Luka Doncic (this season) 2,139
Doncic (2022-23) 2,137
Nowitzki (2008-2009) 2,094 – 10:15 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Mavs starters: Jones, Washington, Gafford, Irving, Doncic
SAC starters: Barnes, Murray, Sabonis, Ellis, Fox
9:10 tip @971TheFreak – 9:42 PM
Mavs starters: Jones, Washington, Gafford, Irving, Doncic
SAC starters: Barnes, Murray, Sabonis, Ellis, Fox
9:10 tip @971TheFreak – 9:42 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
From Mavs:
Luka Dončić (left achilles soreness) and Maxi Kleber (right knee soreness) will be AVAILABLE tonight against the Kings.
Josh Green (right ankle sprain) will be OUT. – 8:40 PM
From Mavs:
Luka Dončić (left achilles soreness) and Maxi Kleber (right knee soreness) will be AVAILABLE tonight against the Kings.
Josh Green (right ankle sprain) will be OUT. – 8:40 PM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Mavericks star Luka Doncic (Achilles) and Maxi Kleber (knee) have been cleared to play in tonight’s game against the Kings. – 8:38 PM
Mavericks star Luka Doncic (Achilles) and Maxi Kleber (knee) have been cleared to play in tonight’s game against the Kings. – 8:38 PM
Mark Haynes @markhaynesnba
Luka Dončić (left Achilles soreness) and Maxi Kleber (right knee soreness) will be available tonight against the Kings, per Mavs. – 8:35 PM
Luka Dončić (left Achilles soreness) and Maxi Kleber (right knee soreness) will be available tonight against the Kings, per Mavs. – 8:35 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic available, Kidd says, not that there was much question. Kleber also available. – 8:34 PM
Doncic available, Kidd says, not that there was much question. Kleber also available. – 8:34 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Luka Doncic still carrying the questionable tag for tonight’s game with Achilles soreness. But don’t think anybody would bet on him missing this game. Maxi Kleber’s knee also has him listed as questionable. – 5:08 PM
Luka Doncic still carrying the questionable tag for tonight’s game with Achilles soreness. But don’t think anybody would bet on him missing this game. Maxi Kleber’s knee also has him listed as questionable. – 5:08 PM
Stephen Noh @StephNoh
Best volume iso scorers this season:
——
1. Kawhi (1.19 points per possession)
2. Dejounte Murray
(1.18 PPP)
3. SGA (1.12 PPP)
T-4. Harden | DeRozan (1.11 PPP)
6. Luka (1.10 PPP)
7. Embiid (1.09 PPP)
8. Tatum (1.06 PPP)
T-9. Paul George | Zion | Kyrie (1.05 PPP) – 2:54 PM
Best volume iso scorers this season:
——
1. Kawhi (1.19 points per possession)
2. Dejounte Murray
(1.18 PPP)3. SGA (1.12 PPP)
T-4. Harden | DeRozan (1.11 PPP)
6. Luka (1.10 PPP)
7. Embiid (1.09 PPP)
8. Tatum (1.06 PPP)
T-9. Paul George | Zion | Kyrie (1.05 PPP) – 2:54 PM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
This Luka-Kyrie-led team has the league’s second-best defensive rating during Dallas’ last 10 games (9 wins); 10th-best since the trade deadline.
Much more here, w/ coach Jason Kidd and Dereck Lively II explaining the stunning development, @TheAthletic
theathletic.com/5376569/2024/0… – 11:18 AM
This Luka-Kyrie-led team has the league’s second-best defensive rating during Dallas’ last 10 games (9 wins); 10th-best since the trade deadline.
Much more here, w/ coach Jason Kidd and Dereck Lively II explaining the stunning development, @TheAthletic
theathletic.com/5376569/2024/0… – 11:18 AM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
The West is very wild right now, so I went deep on the 4-11 slots…
From the Clippers to Houston, with the spotlight on Dallas because, well, it turns out a Luka-Kyrie Mavs team can be really good on defense after all. What it all means, @TheAthletic
theathletic.com/5376569/2024/0… – 11:11 AM
The West is very wild right now, so I went deep on the 4-11 slots…
From the Clippers to Houston, with the spotlight on Dallas because, well, it turns out a Luka-Kyrie Mavs team can be really good on defense after all. What it all means, @TheAthletic
theathletic.com/5376569/2024/0… – 11:11 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Season leaders:
PPG — Luka
RPG — Sabonis
APG — Haliburton
SPG — Shai
BPG — Wemby
FGM — Luka
3PM — Steph
FTM — Shai pic.twitter.com/bVNYfbGuf8 – 10:44 AM
Season leaders:
PPG — Luka
RPG — Sabonis
APG — Haliburton
SPG — Shai
BPG — Wemby
FGM — Luka
3PM — Steph
FTM — Shai pic.twitter.com/bVNYfbGuf8 – 10:44 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Which NBA European are you choosing to lead the team for the next 10 seasons? 🤔
🇫🇷 Victor Wembanyama
🇷🇸 Nikola Jokic
🇸🇮 Luka Doncic
OTHER pic.twitter.com/OphgmTP8Rl – 6:26 AM
Which NBA European are you choosing to lead the team for the next 10 seasons? 🤔
🇫🇷 Victor Wembanyama
🇷🇸 Nikola Jokic
🇸🇮 Luka Doncic
OTHER pic.twitter.com/OphgmTP8Rl – 6:26 AM
More on this storyline
Sean Cunningham: Luka Doncic as he puts away the Kings tonight in Sacramento with his final free throw, then as the final horn sounds, waves goodbye to former Kings GM Vlade Divac seated courtside and says “he shoulda’ drafted me.” pic.twitter.com/6j26cLprxA -via Twitter @SeanCunningham / March 30, 2024
However, there is still no certainty that Jokic will be able to suit up for Serbia for the Olympics, according to former NBA big man and current Serbia basketball executive Vlade Divac. “Well, first of all, we don’t have a confirmation yet. Obviously, it’s a long season, you know, and we have to give him more time to see how his body is going to react after the season,” Divac told Brian Geltzeiler and Eddie A Johnson while appearing recently on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “But if he does play, that would be huge. You know, he’s he’s a hero over there. He’s obviously one of the best in my mind, the best player in the league right now. So he would be great, great peeling for entire nation if he is part of the team,” Divac added. -via Clutch Points / March 5, 2024
It was a painful Friday night for the Sacramento Kings. In the first half of their consequential 107-103 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Dončić tumbled after a drive and fell onto the right knee of Malik Monk. Monk left the game and didn’t return. It is feared he suffered a sprained MCL, league sources told The Athletic. -via The Athletic / March 30, 2024
Kings on NBCS: Malik Monk went to the Kings’ locker room after this collision with Luka Dončić. -via Twitter / March 30, 2024