Luka Doncic claims European basketball has more plays than NBA / News - Basketnews.com

Before the Dallas Mavericks take on Real in Madrid, Luka Doncic acknowledged the Spanish club's contribution in bringing him to the top level, adding that European basketball has way more different plays than the NBA.

Credit: AFP PHOTO / Andrej ISAKOVIC Credit AFP PHOTO / Andrej ISAKOVIC

On Tuesday night (20:45 CEST), Real Madrid and the Dallas Mavericks meet in the 9th friendly clash between the winningest club in European basketball history and an NBA franchise.

Points this season

41%79,0Points made:79,0Accuracy:41,2%Place in standings:10Record max:79Record min:79Best scorer:Guerschon YabuseleTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Luka Doncic is the main protagonist of the preseason scrimmage since he returns to the club that helped him reach his full potential. The Slovenian became a megastar in Europe while playing for Los Blancos from 2013 to 2018. Now, he returns to Madrid as one of the great stars of the NBA.

Doncic appeared at a long-awaited press conference at the WiZink Center before the Dallas Mavericks' game in the Spanish capital, sharing his feelings on his return to what was his home.

"If I return to Europe one day, I will surely go back to Madrid, that's 100%," he assured. "But I don't know what the future is going to be like. But if I come back, it will surely be at Real Madrid," he repeated.

"I've been waiting for this match for months. It's going to be for sure one of the most special games for me, if not the most. I have told Mark Cuban many times, and he always told me that this game was going to happen," Doncic continued.

The 24-year-old guard admitted that had he not joined Real Madrid, he wouldn't be where he is right now.

"I learned everything -- talk, study, play basketball," he said before mentioning the persons or things from Madrid he'd take back to Dallas if he could.

"It would be some of my [old] teammates. Rudy [Fernandez], [Sergio] Llull, some coach, some physiotherapist," he reflected. "But what I am going to take for sure is some jamon."

Doncic was asked about whether he misses Pablo Laso, the coach who guided him through his five-year stint with Real Madrid.

"Of course," he replied. "Pablo Laso has been my first coach, he has given me a lot. Now he has a chance at Bayern. His departure has been as it has been, but I know he is very much loved in Madrid. He has given a lot to this club, and they surely miss him."

Real Madrid / Schedule

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Once again, Doncic weighed in on the differences between the NBA and European basketball, arguing that the NBA game has fewer plays.

"I think it's a very different kind of basketball," he said. "In the end, you have a wider court, and the 3-point line is further away. But I think that in Europe you play more as a team, that is, in fewer minutes you play more as a team. The plays are very important. I think there are not many plays in the NBA, so team basketball is very important," he stressed.

Doncic also compared the NBA in-season tournament that will feature two stages before the Championship game to the Spanish Cup.

"I have played the Copa del Rey here. It's something special for me. I don't know how it's going to be in the NBA. It's the first year they're doing it. I don't know the rules yet and how it's all built up, but I think it's going to be OK. And it's good if there are always chances to win," he smiled.

The Slovenian star admitted that he didn't have the time to visit the new Santiago Bernabeu stadium but added that his initial thought was that the game vs. Real Madrid would be held Sunday so that he'd have a chance to watch some football action the day before.

"I hope one day we play at the Bernabeu. May the NBA bring us back to Madrid," he concluded.

The Dallas Mavericks arrive in Spain as part of the NBA teams' preseason. After finishing in 11th place in the Western Conference, the Texans have the chance to reach the postseason with options.

For their part, Real Madrid are still undefeated so far this season, counting four wins across three competitions (Spanish Super Cup, Spanish league, EuroLeague).

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