Luka Doncic reveals his feelings on Thunder fans taunting him
May 15, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts against the Phoenix Suns in game seven of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma City Thunder fans on Wednesday let their loathing of Luka Doncic be heard loud and clear. Little did they know that the Dallas Mavericks star actually enjoyed all the hostility.
The Thunder lost 104-92 in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinal matchup against the Mavericks at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla.
With the Mavs holding a double-digit lead late in the fourth quarter, the Thunder crowd began to express their resentment of Doncic.
“Luka sucks! Luka sucks!” the Thunder fans chanted in unison.
After Luka Doncic adamantly instructed the Mavericks to challenge the foul call, Thunder fans broke out a loud “Luka sucks!” chant.
The officiating crew upheld the call, giving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a pair of free throws. pic.twitter.com/r7qbztjszh
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) May 16, 2024
Doncic was asked about the vitriol he received Wednesday from the Thunder’s passionate fan base. The Mavericks star said he’s relished all the negative attention that Thunder fans have given him throughout the series.
“I love it,” said Doncic. “Love it. And when they chant ‘Luka sucks,’ it gets me going. It’s even better.”
"I love it. And when they chant, 'Luka sucks,' it gets me going."
– Luka Doncic
(via @NBATV)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 16, 2024
Doncic was outstanding in the Mavericks’ pivotal Game 5 win. He scored 31 points on 12/22 shooting from the floor. Doncic also had 10 rebounds and 11 assists for a triple-double.
The Mavericks will have a golden opportunity to close out the series at home. Unfortunately for Doncic, the fans at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas won’t be chanting anything bad about him in Game 6.