Did NBA 2K25 Overhype Mavs Star Luka Doncic's Defense?
Following Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals, ESPN's Brian Windhorst took exception to Luka Doncic's defensive effort. After the Dallas Mavericks' 106-99 loss to the Boston Celtics, Windhorst released a fiery criticism of Doncic, something of which the ESPN insider strays.
"His defensive performance is unacceptable. He is a hole on the court ... He is costing his team because of how he treats the officials." Windhorst said in disgust.
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Although Doncic was the reason the Mavs had a remote shot at beating the Celtics, he also took the blame for his team's shortcomings—a brutal scenario. Despite the damning quote from Windhorst, the NBA playoffs showcased moments of defensive brilliance from No.77.
NBA 2K, perhaps noticing the glimmering sequences of Doncic's defensive know-how, rated the 2024 Western Conference Finals MVP with a high rating in NBA 2K25.
Of all the NBA players featured in the successful basketball video game, Doncic ranks second in the "hustle rating, behind the New York Knicks try-hard Josh Hart. Critics of NBA 2K and Doncic took to social media to mock the stat.
However, statistics prove NBA 2K isn't off-base with its calculations. According to Synergy Basketball, during the 2024 postseason, Doncic ranked in the 82nd percentile in points per possession in half-court defense, which falls under the "very good" PPP rating.
Although Doncic's defensive effort appears flat in many instances, his statistics calculate otherwise. However, perhaps Doncic's hustle rating ranking higher than Giannis Antetokounmpo merits criticism from basketball fans and NBA 2K consumers.
