This week in Luka: Doncic, Dirk Nowitzki share bad Christmas luck - The Dallas Morning News

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Dirk Nowitzki is undoubtedly one of Luka Doncic’s favorite people to see.

Every time Dirk’s at a Mavericks game, there seems to be some sort of momentous picture of the two, and Luka’s always eager to be near the Mavs’ legend.

Already this season, they’ve sat next to one another at a Cowboys game, and Luka got to hug and chat with fill-in color commentator Dirk before the Mavs-Timberwolves broadcast on Tuesday.

Luka wants to have a similar on-court trajectory and off-court appreciation as Dirk built over 21 seasons in Dallas, but at least for this year, they share a not-so-merry milestone.

Bad Christmas luck.

That’s not to say Dirk was subpar on the NBA’s marquee holiday. Totally the opposite.

In three Christmas games, Dirk averaged 27.4 points, eight rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 50% from the field and from three and 93% from the foul line.

But that first number is perhaps most shocking.

He played in just three Christmas games.

Ever.

“Three is not a lot in 21 seasons,” Dirk joked on a recent international conference call. “I’m going to have to talk to the NBA why we weren’t on more.”

With two in his first four seasons, Luka’s on pace to far surpass Dirk’s Christmas game tally, but he hasn’t had the best holiday fortune, either.

Last year, LeBron and the Lakers crushed Luka and the Mavs in primetime, and this year, Luka is among the many superstars very unlikely to play while in COVID-19 protocol, which Luka entered Wednesday.

Luka will have plenty more holidays to make up for it — and likely one soon in Dallas for the franchise’s first home Christmas game since 2011.

But for now, Luka will spend this Christmas just like Dirk — and the rest of us.

Watching basketball from home.

Photo of the week

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, left, and forward Sterling Brown (0) look on from the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Dallas, Tuesday, December 21, 2021. (Brandon Wade / Special Contributor)

Doncic deets

Luka’s stats in 21 games: 25.6 points, 8 rebounds, 8.5 assists; 44.7% FG, 32.6% 3FG

Best of the week: In pre-COVID plans, the Mavericks had hoped Luka would return last night against the Bucks after missing five straight games with left ankle soreness. If we have to identify a silver lining for Luka’s entry to the health and safety protocol, perhaps the extra time off the court will help him further heal the lingering injury that’s cost him nine games since Nov. 15.

Watch for this next: If the NBA’s protocol for clearing health and safety protocol doesn’t change, Luka’s isolation period will likely end at the start of January. Just in time for Dirk’s Jan. 5 jersey retirement. No doubt Luka will do everything to put on a show before that.

Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.

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This week in Luka: Doncic, Dirk Nowitzki share bad Christmas luck - The Dallas Morning News
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