Whether in handball, football or basketball, we teach the youngest that a pass always goes faster than a dribble. And that's why you have to pass and show altruism on the counterattack. If a teammate is already in the opposing camp and therefore in a better position, you must pass to him to give yourself the best chance of scoring. This is the basis. And this is valid even at the highest level, and in Dallas, it is Luka Doncic who is responsible for feeding his teammates as soon as the rebound is taken.
“Obviously I'm not fast enough to accelerate the game, but my passes are faster than my feet” he explains to ESPN. “I think with my vision of the game, I can make these passes. I know my teammates are going to run, and I just have to try to find them. Honestly, I think I could be a really good quarterback.”
Strength in the wrist
Unlike Nikola Jokic, another specialist in passes that cross the entire field, Doncic sometimes uses gestures close to those of a real quarterback. This is what impresses Jason Kidd, 2nd best passer in NBA history.
“He does it with a simple wrist whip. A lot of people need to cock their arm, and throw like a quarterback. It takes strength” underlines the Dallas coach.
Sometimes when receiving passes from the Slovenian genius, Kyrie Irving also uses the analogy with American football. “It’s something he enjoys, and it gives us easy opportunities to score.” It's like a receiver with his quarterback. He sends perfect passes and they literally land in his hands. »
A personal best at 20 meters this season
Second best passer in the NBA this season, but also best scorer, Doncic has already completed nine quarterback passes in these playoffs. According to ESPN, he is number 1 in the NBA in long passes with 53 touchdowns, whether with one or two hands. Statisticians consider a long pass when the ball remains at least 12 meters in the air. It's almost half the size of a basketball court. His season record was measured at 20 yards for a pass to Derrick Jones Jr against Spurs in March (see below). The season record belongs to Nikola Jokic with almost 22 meters for Aaron Gordon.
Whether it's Jones or Derek Lively II, everyone appreciates being served in such conditions. As receivers, they just have to focus on the basket. “It’s an incredible feeling to have someone with such vision of the field” summarizes Lively. “Every time he throws the ball, it's perfect, and you just have to catch it and dunk. »
