“I think Luka is the real deal,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said about before Saturday’s home opener against Minnesota, adding that he was “excited, excited, excited” about the game.
Cuban then reached down and lightly tapped his knuckles on the American Airlines Center hardwood.
If Cuban did, in fact, jinx his prize rookie, it was only during an atrocious first quarter in which 19-year-old Doncic clearly was nervous.
At night’s end, though, after the Mavericks pulled out a 140-136 victory with Doncic coming through for 26 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, Cuban found himself surrounded by reporters.