Every Time Luka Doncic Proved ESPN and Stephen A. Smith Wrong

When Luka won the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year, some skeptics dismissed his European background, doubting how his game would translate to the NBA.

Stephen A. Smith, the network’s most vocal personality, has been particularly critical, often favoring American-born stars and downplaying Luka’s achievements.

One notable example was during the 2022 Western Conference Semifinals, when Stephen A. boldly claimed he would take Devin Booker over Luka for that playoff series.

Stephen A. argued that Booker’s shooting accuracy, especially from the free-throw line, made him the better player “in the moment.”

However, the results told a different story.

In the final two games of that series, Booker struggled mightily, averaging just 15 points per game on 29% shooting with six turnovers per game.

Luka, on the other hand, posted a dominant performance: in just the first half of games six and seven combined, he scored 23 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished out four assists, and committed zero turnovers on 54% shooting.

This stark contrast exposed Stephen A. ’s prediction as one of the coldest takes in recent memory.

Luka’s ability to dominate under pressure and elevate his team’s performance clearly outshone Booker’s struggles.

Beyond scoring, Luka’s all-around game—passing, rebounding, clutch plays, and basketball IQ—sets him apart as a top-five player in the league, while Booker remains a solid but more limited scorer.

Stephen A. has also compared Luka unfavorably to Anthony Davis, claiming Davis is a top-seven player when healthy and better than Luka.

This assertion ignores reality: Davis has battled injuries and inconsistency over the past two years, while Luka has consistently put up elite numbers and led the Dallas Mavericks to more wins despite having less star-studded teammates.

Luka’s averages of 28 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, combined with a strong team record, surpass Davis’s 23 points, nine rebounds, and three assists on a losing team.

Another misguided comparison came when Stephen A. favored John Morant over Luka, arguing that Morant does not fold in the playoffs while Luka supposedly does.

This claim is easily debunked by Luka’s playoff performances.

In the 2020 NBA Bubble against the Clippers, Luka put up legendary numbers with a 43-point, 17-rebound, 13-assist triple-double, including a buzzer-beater to win a crucial game.

In subsequent playoff series, Luka continued to shine, delivering 46 points and 14 assists in a Game 7 against the Clippers in 2021, and 35 points with 10 rebounds in a Game 7 versus Phoenix in 2023.

His clutch performances and scoring consistency prove he does not fold under pressure.

Defensively, Stephen A. has tried to give Morant the edge, but the numbers don’t support that either.

Morant’s defensive plus-minus ratings have been negative every year of his career, while Luka’s defensive impact has been positive.

The Dallas Mavericks rank among the NBA’s top defenses, whereas Memphis, despite Morant’s presence, has fluctuated more.

Both players are not known as lockdown defenders, but Luka’s defensive metrics and team success illustrate he holds his own on that end.

Throughout these debates, Stephen A. Smith’s logic often shifts depending on the player he’s praising or criticizing.

For example, he stressed shooting efficiency when comparing Booker and Luka but ignored it when comparing Luka to Davis, even though Luka is the better shooter in multiple categories.

This inconsistency undermines his arguments and suggests a bias against Luka.

In summary, Luka Doncic has repeatedly shattered the narratives that ESPN and Stephen A. Smith have tried to impose.

Whether it’s playoff performance, overall skill, or clutch moments, Luka has proven himself time and again as one of the NBA’s brightest stars.

His unique blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a generational talent that transcends media skepticism.

As Luka’s career progresses, it’s clear that doubters will continue to be proven wrong.

His impact on the court speaks louder than any critique, and fans worldwide recognize his greatness.

Luka Doncic is not just an NBA star; he’s a player rewriting the narrative and setting new standards for excellence.

Thank you for reading this breakdown of Luka’s triumphs over media criticism.

Stay tuned for more insights into the NBA’s most compelling stories.