NBA Draft: Luka Doncic struggles: Real Madrid fall in playoff game
By Tyler Watts
NBA Draft prospect Luka Doncic is still playing for Real Madrid, and he struggled in the June 13 playoff series opener versus Baskonia.
NBA Draft night will be here in a flash, and the Sacramento Kings are in full preparation mode. They are making the last minute adjustments to their big board. Also, the front office is trying to figure out which players stand out. June 21 figures to an exciting night for Kings fans.
Sacramento has the second overall pick after moving up in the lottery. A prime target at that selection is Luka Doncic. Doncic is an international prospect who plays for Real Madrid in Spain. Their season is still going on. Let us look at how Doncic performed in Real’s most recent game.
Off night
Madrid was opening a playoff series against Baskonia on June 13. Doncic’s team is favored to win and take home the championship, but it was a rough start for them. Doncic played a team-high 29 minutes, further proving he is their star player, but struggled slightly. He finished with 12 points on four of 13 shooting from the field. Doncic chipped in six rebounds and four assists. The killer was his zero of five from 3-point range and just four of six from the free throw line.
Related Story: Luka Doncic's scouting report: Fit with Sacramento
The off night cost the team as well. Real Madrid lost 94-90 at home. The series continues on Friday, June 15. Doncic is looking to bounce back and led Real to another title.
Drop his stock?
At this point, one off night is not going to drop Doncic’s draft stock. The Kings brass has a relative idea who is going to be the second overall pick. They are likely narrowing it down between six players, but a strong consensus on who is ahead should be in place at this juncture.
Doncic is still the best player in this class and a fantastic fit in the modern NBA.
Final thoughts
Luka Doncic struggled in a losing effort for Real Madrid in the playoffs. The Sacramento Kings are still considering Doncic for the second overall pick, though. Doncic returns to action on Friday, so more to come at that point.
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