Luka Doncic is undoubtedly one of the best players in the NBA today. The Los Angeles Lakers star showed that once again on Thursday night, as he exploded for 60 points against the Miami Heat.
The Slovenian guard went 18-of-30 from the field, including 9-of-17 from 3-point line. He also recorded seven rebounds, three assists and five steals to help the Lakers take a 134-126 victory.
Doncic currently leads the NBA in scoring with 33.4 points per game, while he is second in efficiency (33.8) and third in assists (8.4). Moreover, the 27-year-old guard is eighth in the league in steals with 1.6.
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While Doncic continues to dominate, he hasn't been perfect. One major concern about his game has been his on-court behavior, as he tends to complain too much to the referees during games.
Doncic already has 15 technical fouls this season, just one away from an automatic suspension. Most of those techs were the result of his constant complaining.
Several experts and media personalities have criticized Doncic for his behavior, including seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry, who previously suggested that Doncic gets in his own way.
Furthermore, NBA reporter Zach Lowe said on his podcast in February that Doncic's whining makes him "unwatchable." Renowned broadcaster Dan Patrick, meanwhile, called Doncic "selfish" because he keeps complaining to the referees instead of playing hard and going back to defense when a call (or non-call) doesn't go in his favor.
Amid the criticism of Doncic, however, former NBA player Evan Turner reminded everyone that the Lakers superstar is still a "human" who gets tired of what he feels is unfair officiating toward him.
While Turner doesn't deny that Doncic has gone overboard, the fact of the matter is that the Lakers superstar is an "ultimate competitor." Naturally, he gets emotional.
"I think, obviously, everything is within reason. Clearly, when you get to 15 technicals, that says you've kind of gone overboard in that sense. So I'm not knocking it," Turner told Athlon Sports in an exclusive interview via Casino Guru, a platform known for providing Americans with a clear overview of new casino sites.
"If you want to call him a prima donna, sure, call him a prima donna. Call him whatever you want, but that's Luka Doncic. He's also a basketball savant."
Turner added, "He's also a human. He's gone 82 games. He has the ball for 40 minutes and not saying anything, but certain people get tired of you getting fouled, getting trapped, getting hit, people poking you, people all in your space."
The former Boston Celtics assistant coach also expressed his belief that Doncic is a player who is still "maturing." With that said, he obviously has a lot more to learn about controlling himself.
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Regardless, as the Lakers continue to win, Doncic is showing everyone that his behavior isn't hindering the team in any way.
JJ Redick's squad improved to 45-25 on the season with the win against the Heat. The Lakers have won eight straight games and 11 of their last 12, keeping them at No. 3 in the West.
