Giannis Antetokounmpo called Luka Doncic one of the greatest scorers in basketball history after the Los Angeles Lakers star recorded 42 points and 13 assists in a 138-117 win over the Miami Heat on Monday, November 2.
“I think when you have a guy like Luka, obviously he’s one of the best scorers to ever play this game, if not the best,” Antetokounmpo said after the game. “Not right now. Not right now. Like of all time.”
The Heat star added that some people might hesitate to make such a comparison, but he believes Doncic belongs in that conversation.
“I feel like some people are scared to say that, but it’s got to be up there,” Antetokounmpo said.
Doncic also impressed Antetokounmpo with his ability to create opportunities for teammates against Miami’s defensive coverage. The Lakers guard finished with seven rebounds, made six three-pointers and helped Austin Reaves score 27 points and Walker Kessler collect 15 points and 15 rebounds.
“He’s also an elite passer,” Antetokounmpo said. “When you have teammates that are decisive whenever he passes them the ball, it makes the game easier for everybody.”
Antetokounmpo pointed to Doncic’s communication after double teams as an important part of the Lakers’ offensive execution.
“After every double team, he was telling them, ‘Hey, be aggressive, get downhill,’ and that fills players up with confidence,” the Heat forward said.
Doncic scored at least 37 points for the fifth consecutive game and has averaged 43.4 points during that five-game stretch. He had 45 points and 15 assists against Toronto on Sunday before following it with another 40-point performance against Miami.
Asked about Doncic’s MVP case, Antetokounmpo said the Lakers star’s production and his team’s winning record make him a leading candidate.
“No doubt he’s been up there. He’s definitely up there this year,” Antetokounmpo said. “What he’s doing is incredible. And not only that, his team is winning.”
Antetokounmpo added that a player averaging 38 points while leading a winning team deserves to be part of the discussion. Doncic’s Lakers improved to 6-2 with Monday’s victory, while Miami fell to 2-5.
The Heat have lost five of their first seven games in Antetokounmpo’s debut season with the team. The two-time MVP said Miami must improve its defensive effort, individual accountability and trust after allowing the Lakers to score 138 points.
“We got to play hard. We got to have some pride,” Antetokounmpo said. “Individual pride first of all. And then we got to keep one another accountable but trust one another defensively.”
Miami will continue its five-game West Coast trip against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, November 4.
