Dirk Nowitzki advises Luka Doncic to use disappointments as motivation. He praises the Mavericks and their future prospects for next season.
The Dallas Mavericks had reason to celebrate in the summer of 2024 when they advanced to the NBA Finals. Despite their impressive performance, however, their journey did not end with the title they had hoped for. This caused mixed feelings for Luka Doncic and the fans of the franchise. After this disappointment, Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks icon, now gave valuable advice.
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During his appearance at DLLS Sports Nowitzki was initially enthusiastic about the development of the Mavericks. “I am very proud and extremely excited about what we (Mavericks, Anm. d. Red.) “We were able to build up our team,” said the German NBA legend, who specified: “With the build-up around Luka (Doncic) of course. Then came Kyrie (Irving) and then we added other little bits here and there. And now we were in the finals and then Klay Thompson came along.”
Nowitzki: “Make your game, play your game”
When the host asked Nowitzki about his own bittersweet MVP season, which ended in a first-round loss in the NBA playoffs in 2006, the question arose whether he could offer Doncic any advice.
The 46-year-old, who had gone through a similar experience himself, offered a valuable tip: “Just keep going, honestly. Do your game, play your game. I know it wasn’t the ending you were hoping for. But you know what? You’re only at the beginning. You’re 25 years old. Sometimes it’s good to experience a little disappointment to try again, to motivate and encourage yourself to work even harder and become an even better player.”
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With the adjustments to the squad and the experience the team has gained, the signs are good for the Mavericks in the 2024/25 season. The coming months are likely to be particularly exciting for Dirk Nowitzki and other Mavericks fans. The Würzburg native was confident and had clear words for his former team: “I’m looking forward to cheering on this team.”
