Paul George, Terance Mann Reveal Level of Difficulty of Guarding Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic

During that period of time, the Slovenian All-Star guard has led Dallas in the series by posting 29.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game. And while his efficiency from the field and the three-point line leaves a lot to be desired, there’s much more to his offensive game that just hitting his shots from the court.

His gravity on offense can be clearly seen in Game 2 of Dallas’ series against the Clippers. In that game, Doncic finished the game with 32 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Apart from getting those buckets, the way he breaks defenses down and opens up scoring opportunities for his teammates, such as PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford, have worked wonders for the Mavericks.

Los Angeles Clippers’ Paul George and Terance Mann Reveal How Hard It Is To Guard Dallas Mavericks Star Luka Doncic

Off the court, George and Mann talked about the difficulty of staying on top of Doncic, especially in a more competitive environment like the playoffs. In an episode of Podcast P with Paul George, as presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment:

Mann: “S---, it ain’t easy. I’ll tell you that. I think it is more mental than anything with me because he’s going to make the tough shots. He’s going to take the tough shots and you see them go in, you think you playing good defense, you see them go in. It’s just tough.

The pump fake he going to get you a couple times in the series. He got P [Paul George] a couple times. I don’t know why he got P, after I told him to stay down on the move but he still jump. But yea, I think mentally it’s just taxing, but a lot of film is helping me out and the coaches for sure.”

George: “I think it’s great with so many defensive guys on the team it’s fun to have and take our own notes. It’s like we all have and take our own notes at the end of the quarter, at the end of the game, and share with each other what we’ve collected of how to guard guys.

So I think that is a benefit that we have and a luxury that we have with so many good defenders on our team is that we can, [say] ‘hey, when he does this look for that, when he has the ball on this side, he’s looking to do more of this.’ So it is a cool thing. We did this after game three.”

Both Mann and George are no slouches when it comes to defense. The latter, in particular has been named to four All-Defensive teams throughout his career. That’s why the All-Star wing’s take on guarding Doncic is as valid as it can get.

With the series tied to two games each, both the Mavs and Clippers will need to be better if they want to take the lead and advance soon. Expect Doncic, George, and Mann to step up their game as they prevent their respective teams from getting eliminated.