Luka’s sloppy start

Last summer’s MVP favorite has been a turnover machine

BY DAVID THORPE

Before the season, Luka Doncic was the favorite to be this year’s NBA MVP. He’s way down the rankings now. There are many reasons, but a big one is his turnovers. David Thorpe just watched video of every single one. SEAN M. HAFFEY/GETTY IMAGES ​​

Legendary Madrid coach Pablo Laso cursed through most of the timeout. “One fucking play!” he yelled in Spanish. Twice. His team trailed CSKA Moscow, on the road, in the EuroLeague second round. 

The direct challenge did something to his 16-year-old, 3-point-a-game scoring guard, Luka Doncic. They were down seven with under four minutes to play in the second quarter. Luka—not seen as a shooter at the time—had been open all career. With his coach’s words ringing in his ears “make a play!” he drained a 3. A minute-and-a-half later, he was open all alone on the right wing, and fired again. Bang!