Luka Dončić's efforts continue to be fruitless, Mavericks down 0-2 | NBA | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Despite Luka Dončić's best efforts, the Dallas Mavericks can't hold back the Phoenix Suns. Even with 35-points, Game 2 ended in another loss for the Mavs star, bringing the series to 0-2. Nick Wright breaks down why he believes Chris Paul has found Luka's weakness, and whether he thinks his adult Slovenian son can pull the Mavs out of this deficit.
#FirstThingsFirst #NBA #LukaDončić
Download the free-to-play FOX Bet Super 6 app: foxs.pt/3z96p0j
SUBSCRIBE to get the latest from First Things First: foxs.pt/SubscribeFIRSTTHINGSFIRST
The all-new FOX Sports App, built for the modern sports fan: tinyurl.com/y4uouolb
►Watch the latest content from First Things First: foxs.pt/LatestOnFIRSTTHINGSFIRST
▶The Herd with Colin Cowherd’s KZbin channel: foxs.pt/SubscribeTHEHERD
►UNDISPUTED’s KZbin channel: foxs.pt/SubscribeUNDISPUTED
▶Speak for Yourself’s KZbin channel: foxs.pt/SubscribeSPEAKFORYOURSELF
►FOX Bet Live’s KZbin Channel: foxs.pt/SubscribeFOXBETLIVE
►Club Shay Shay’s KZbin Channel: foxs.pt/SubscribeCLUBSHAYSHAY
▶Titus & Tate's KZbin channel: foxs.pt/SubscribeTITUSANDTATE
►The Skip Bayless Show KZbin Channel: sprtspod.fox/SUBSCRIBESkipShow
►What's Wright? with Nick Wright KZbin Channel: sprtspod.fox/whatswright/youtube
See more from First Things First: foxs.pt/FIRSTTHINGSFIRSTFoxSports
Like First Things First on Facebook: foxs.pt/FIRSTTHINGSFIRSTFacebook
Follow First Things First on Twitter: foxs.pt/FIRSTTHINGSFIRSTTwitter
Follow First Things First on Instagram: foxs.pt/FIRSTTHINGSFIRSTInstagram
Follow Nick Wright on Twitter: foxs.pt/NickWrightTwitter
Follow Chris Broussard on Twitter: / chris_broussard
Follow Kevin Wildes on Twitter: foxs.pt/KevinWildesTwitter
Follow Jenna Wolfe on Twitter: foxs.pt/JennaWolfeTwitter
About First Things First:
Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, Kevin Wildes, and Jenna Wolfe team up on First Things First, a discussion and opinion-based studio program that covers all the headlines weekdays on FS1.
Luka Dončić's efforts continue to be fruitless, Mavericks down 0-2 | NBA | FIRST THINGS FIRST
• Luka Dončić's efforts ...
First Things First
/ firstthingsfirst

[@FirstThingsFirst]

Listen to the What’s Wright? with Nick Wright podcast: sprtspod.fox/WhatsWright_YT

[@javonroashe]

Nick a week ago: "If Chris Paul tries that kind of stuff against Luka, Luka will dog walk him" Nick now: "It's kinda unfair, the constant pick and rolls, the constant targeting" lmao

[@mayologuerrero9339]

bottom line is Nick Wrong is a JOKE!

[@truth3412]

Mind you that is basically how lebron has scored the majority of his points in his career. High pick and rolls forcing switches onto smaller players or slower bigger players

[@javonroashe]

@@truth3412 Luka and CP3, were the only ones in this conversation

[@ubadman1]

That is not what he was referring to he was referring to cp3 dirty and underhand tactics which he is well known for.

[@jeremiahwilliams5747]

Lol.

[@RhamyDibu]

Broussard really said he could guard CP3 better than Luka at 53 .... this dude is gold

[@Brian-xk5gp]

Nick's reaction to Broussard's extending an olive branch is hilarious. And then Wild's reaction to Nick reacting, trying not to laugh.

[@abrahamisraelalfieylinares1375]

It's official, I like this show better than Undisputed now. The chemistry is better, topics are better chosen, and the takes are just way better. Sad to acknowledge, but it's true. FTF is a better show now.

[@AmanSingh-bt1rx]

It always was better , Chris is the level headed guy , Nick gets mad at everything , Kevin is the funny one and Jenna runs the whole thing🤷‍♂️

[@patrick553]

Undisputed is the same thing every day

[@browndbeanz7446]

Same. I used to look forward to Undisputed every morning, now it's FTF fr.

[@work4whatyouwant477]

I've been there for a while

[@truth3412]

Getting Broussard was a huge pickup. The show was starting to stagnate when it was nick and Brandon and wildes.

[@darrylnichols5520]

This is easily the best show. Wildes is the KEY. He is that X factor (like Klay Thompson). Chris is the that Savvy vet that keeps you grounded and just toys with you because he can, like CP3 against Luka). Nick is always coming in hot (like Kobe, but really Swaggy P came to mind first). This is a dynasty of 4 because we need Jenna Wolfe , too (who is her comparison?) Anyway. Love this show. 100%

[@andrewbranson4874]

Have you seen her arms? Jenna is DK Metcalf.

[@lairdhercules4553]

Jenna is almost a coach, she keeps them all in check. I agree this show is now in my regular rotation. It never seems personal yet always seems personal if that makes sense. It's that type of "I'm mean, but I love you" type family vibe. Like a barbershop.

[@mrlogick1098]

Don’t ever put Kobe and Nick WRIGHT in the same sentence Dudes a hot take fraud and nothing more

[@drbakerone1]

@@lairdhercules4553 i Agree

[@robertcoburn1508]

Never ever compare Kobe to Nick Wright again you 🤡

[@Gubs2]

I love luka but it’s pretty crazy that Nick loves luka and hates Jokic when they both got targeted in the pick and roll in the playoffs

[@MrChaseBlue]

The style they play has similarities, but of course very different, besides being in different positions. Also, Luka is a lot more of a charismatic player than Jokic. That makes a big difference for some people.

[@Itakotsu]

Jokic is dominant with the ball too but he let guys like Monte Morris and Bones Hyland handle the ball and create also and at times run pick and rolls with him

[@AlwaysEwok]

Nick literally says jokic is a top 10 player😂 but he’s right he’s not the MVP he’s the 6th seed. And that’s mattered every year except the russ one which nobody counts

[@jehushaphat]

@@MrChaseBlue charismatic? Luka is the biggest cry baby (as big as LeBron) as well as a huge taunter, and Jokic is a very nice and humble guy. I appreciate Luka's greatness, as well as LeBron's, but those two are not the most congenial of players. Giannis and Jokic on the other hand are genuinely nice guys.

[@James-xu2dc]

Its pretty crazy that there are people who think Nick "Hates" Jokic just because he doesnt believe hes a B2B MVP

[@5StarFlix]

Not enough help from teammates, getting gassed late in games due to having to do too much on their own, not the best defensive player. Hmmm... Didn't Wright use those EXACT same criteria when making his point over and over again about why Jokic isn't the MVP?!?! And yet Luka is HIS MVP?!?!

[@100ovrbatmanbron7]

Luka had a higher seed and arguably better stats

[@keem912ify]

Same take on KD..

[@juliusking557]

@@100ovrbatmanbron7 luka stats were not arguably better dawg

[@100ovrbatmanbron7]

@@juliusking557 because he has less RPG and a lower FG%? he’s a PG, not s center

[@bigmattmcd]

It's hars to get help from teammates when you've got the ball 90% of the time

[@deedeecurtis]

Chris Paul is 37. Luka is 23. That’s 14 years. Chris Paul has not won anything in his 37 years with all his Allstar teams. Luka has never played with anymore than 1 one time Allstar. There’s no other Allstar on his team. So who with his good sense compares a 23 year old to an underachieving 37 year old? Plus: Statmuse: “Luka Doncic had the best defensive rating by a point guard this season, with a 106.5 rating.”

[@jccanteen]

Another way to read your comment is CP3 is 37 going against a player 14 years his junior with the best defensive rating in the league and is still pulverizing him 😅 sounds more like a compliment to CP3 than a diss.

[@deedeecurtis]

@@jccanteen Sounds like CP3 can’t be compared to players his own age, so idiots compare him to the 23 year old. Let’s talk about this. Luka is 23. He’s the only Allstar on his team. Chris Paul is 37. That’s a 14 year difference. He has always played with multiple Allstars but people are really comparing him to a 23 who’s playing on a team basically alone. Lets compare Chris Paul to other players in his same age group who’ve played on similar teams to him: Lebron, Steph, KD, Klay. How many conference finals had they played in at 37? Or look at what Booker did with the Suns at 23 before Paul got there. Did he lead this team to 52 games? If we’re comparing athletes. Let’s compare apples to apples.

[@MrMathsimon]

@@jccanteen Well cause it’s the truth. CP3 had so many all-star teammates yet hasn’t won a ring? LOL.

[@peterwilder752]

Defensive ratings in the regular season are cute. That’s not gonna get Dallas enough stops in this series to do anything t meaningful

[@Marcus-ge5lw]

@@deedeecurtis butthurt keep crying

[@AkoSiGundam69]

Can't blame Brou from going all out on Nick, Nick did roast him for weeks because of Brou's Nets. lol

[@thrax1008]

This man said defense isn’t half the game

[@kingexclusivo]

not when determining a players greatness

[@maximuskeene8572]

wildes bringing out an old, damaged broom while nick was talking was comedy gold

[@MrShymon3y]

yea he killed Nick with that lol

[@michaelbrice5169]

I really enjoy this show. The banter is beautiful

[@marquismccullum6592]

Brunson really went from 19 PPG to 10PPG ☠️☠️☠️

[@picassojulien899]

Suns defense is good

[@austinclary4423]

Love Wildes' little comments everytime I watch lol

[@jonpresley1163]

This show has gotten so good compared to a few years ago. Great chemistry between these 4!

[@mohammadalhawari7310]

I love fired up nick and brew!!! 🙌🏽 this is probably the best episode iv seen so far for them 😀

[@justogmula4627]

Bruh I'm from the UK, Love this show. So funny, great Balance. Keep up the great work 🔥🔥🐐

[@SoldierXfreedom]

This show has quietly risen to the best show for NBA takes imo.

[@ryanestabrooke111]

Mavs fans should feel fine today. Why? CP3 2-0 series lead curse. 2008 WCSF: NOLA led SAS 2-0 lost 4-3 2013 WCSF: LAC led MEM 2-0 lost 4-2 2016 WCSF: LAC led POR 2-0 lost 4-2 2021 Finals: PHX led MIL 2-0 lost 4-2

[@starrynight2311]

This is the best team CP3 has ever been on and the Mavs are overmatched. Simple as that. You should make more comparisons how the Nuggets got swept in the Semi-finals like this year's Semi-finals 🤷‍♂️

[@hazelhernandez3388]

2021 2-0 up on the nuggets equals sweep.

[@JohnSmith-uw4jp]

@@starrynight2311 L

[@starrynight2311]

@@JohnSmith-uw4jp Crawford is better than Spence

[@whocares-fk2tc]

Broussard is such a likeable guy so I feel pity that meeting with Nick is just matter of hours. This will be epic.

[@carlosmuranajr3294]

Wildes really genius for that lmao

[@drk.i.a.2969]

Whew that was really funny & enjoyable. Thanks guys!

[@ShaiCoke]

this honestly the best sports show by far. these 4 together >>>

[@zj4008]

This is actually becoming a good show😂

[@joseplascencia4408]

Mavs never get their stars any help . Remember Nowitski . He never had another superstar with him . Just like Luka will

[@alansnow1129]

Didn’t Dirk have all star Jason Kidd and all star Shawn Marion?

[@stevengordon3271]

That one year they won was a bit fluky. Luka will only have that same "puncher's chance" unless the Mavs can assemble a better team.

[@kpNov23]

@@alansnow1129 they were old

[@dskwared2u610]

Luka is a level 3 mutant and he doesn't have enough to compete with the dynamic duo. Olive branches, christenings and creole curses. I feel like I'm in humanities 101. Wildes should be proud of these literary metaphors.

[@d-money2270]

Luka is a All time great playoff performer literally he averages 34pts a game the problem is the Mavs defense is bad they need a two player oh wait Tim Hardaway is injured he would’ve helped

[@bpercussive]

Nick remember when you said Luka has Chris Paul "shook"? LOL

[@gugy68]

Luka is great but the Mavs need another all-star talent to go deeper in the playoffs.

[@allenwilliams3774]

He has to work on defense. Grizzlies, Suns, healthy Denver, Pelicans, Clippers will all run pick and roll against Luka in playoffs until he gets better

[@swagintonthe420ish2]

@@allenwilliams3774 i dont think that the key to the problem,Luka is an ok defender no all NBA but good he can clamp up and block a few shots here and there,,,but if you add the fact that Luka is the only one on offense who can do anything vs the sun's and the content targeting to gass him out that the sun's are using,,,there is very few people who have enough in the tank to be the entire offense and defense for 4qt straight It happened to Joker,LeBron in the finale way back,Harden and the list goses on honestly the sun's are scary you have to go at it with Booker for 3qt and then when you get gassed an absolute Killer in CP3 steps up (Given the circumstances Lukas Defend be a bit underrated people talking like he a walking L on defense)

[@andrewgoodhand7803]

Nick literally said it wasn’t fair that they were targeting Luka on defense but loved it when the Cavs did it to Steph lol

[@Derpfriar]

hahah i died when the broom came out

[@ricecube348]

Nick Wright and Kevin Wilde are hilarious together. They are the best at bantering.

[@tcbourbon]

Dallas needs to play zone defense.

[@caseypearce9078]

An all time great did come through last year after being down 0-2 against the Suns. And be brought a legit #2 and better overall supporting cast than Luka has right now with him. So not sure how that point was supposed to help Nick's argument.

[@tonywong8134]

"Beat em straight up, not with this gimmicky stuff." Wth is Nick talking about? I don't understand why people think Nick is right all the time...he was wrong with the Chiefs and hes wrong to think the mavs will make the finals.

[@IsaacCrayton]

We don’t listen to takes about teams he’s bias on . Other than that, sometimes he be spitting facts

[@patc2828]

You’re taking his take way too personally, it’s a debate show. It’s meant to be entertainment.

[@joshuahill956]

Favorite segment in awhile. Great show and great chemistry. Wildes is underrated. Broussard has grown well

[@lances4537]

Chris " Say it with your chest" Broussard 🤣

[@adrenalineunlimited3376]

Nick and Broussard have some sweet chemistry tbh. Would love to see them as opposing pro wrestling managers.

[@no_handle_found]

This point from Bru passed me off: He pointed out that Luka scored only 11 points in second half, when the game got decided. Now, if Luka had scored 11 points in first and 24 in second with the same score, the same media would call Luka out for Stat padding during garbage time. So, now it is no longer abt giving credit to a player for scoring 24 f*king points in first half, its more abt belittling the player for scoring only decent points in other half..

[@idreher]

Suns beat the Mavericks by 20 and the main headline is "Are the Mavericks done after falling down 0-2?" Bunch of BS

[@slimconfucius]

It's because the Mavs are were his pick

[@richardmedley7574]

Thanks Hector.

[@cassidydankochik3294]

LMFAO Nick was hilarious in this segment.

[@mrlogick1098]

Nicks joke , dude predicted the chiefs would go undefeated and win the super bowl. 😂😂 He’d say anything for a hot take

[@muymuy501]

Nick wright is too biased. Its a game of adjustments. Luca wants the ball too much and paid for it. Also, you gotta admit he aint fit enough for a long season.

[@jonathanmatheka2353]

I love these guys. They just make my day.

[@TheNBAfan101]

Yep. Nick whiffed on that one. Had Brooklyn spot on but I have no clue why he picked Dallas over Phoenix.

[@davidp2061]

He loves Luka almost as much as he loves Lebron

[@philipoconnor5865]

This used to be the fourth show I would watch each day...now easily number one. So good and surprisingly so funny.

[@johngist3761]

Broussard: "Unfair?" 😂😂😂

[@redinq]

Nick was right about Luka, this is a lot like Lebron's season in 2007 where he carried his team in the playoffs. Except where Lebron met a buzz saw with the Spurs in the NBA Finals, where Luka is meeting a buzz saw in the 2nd round with these Suns. Luka is still great, the Suns just have too much talent for these Mavs.

[@giffondhall2016]

Facts

[@zigghiggs]

😈

[@redinq]

@@zigghiggs Yeah this one aged well 😅 The Mavs are looking like killers right now. Big props to Luka & Nick on proving me wrong! Holding this L

[@Kings_Landing_Serf]

We already knew Luka’s defense was bad but man he’s getting exposed

[@Cahluvca]

Get this man a co star big man....I'm not even a Dallas fan but he needs a running mate ASAP

[@justinlong5589]

He has Porzingis, Seth Curry, and now has Dinwiddie and Brunson Luka has help he is just too ball dominate and high usage rate come on now Luka isn't that dude he has been overhyped from day one yes he is talented but this notion Luka is so great that none of the other young star player is on his level yeah okay Luka bouta go home again!!

[@Adam-zy9fv]

@@justinlong5589 porzingis hasnt been an all star player since he tore his acl in new york, seth curry and brunson are role players maybe 3rd or 4th opions and dinwiddie is a fringe starter. Thats a championship supporting cast to you? Look at the past few finals winners, they all had more talent than anything luka has been given so far

[@rish5626]

Watching this video NOW hits different 😂😂😂

[@johngist3761]

"The Creole Curse of the Broussard's" An awesome Horror B movie concept of the early 1980's.

[@christianabitz3203]

The mavs probably played their best half and then got boat races in the 2nd half for a blowout

[@REHYPHENUPSTV]

CP3 50yrs old destroying luka 😂😂😂😂

[@brandonbarnes2824]

Luke by himself? Cp3 with a full squad that made the finals? Won 70 games? Go ta sleep

[@brandonbarnes2824]

Cp 0 rings at 50 crazy

[@mrmillennium2697]

Mavs need one of three top PF rookies coming out in the draft but they won't pick that high, oh well but they need atleast a quality stretch 4 or a big

[@thetrib1]

Since jokic is not a top 5 player in his eyes. Luka should win 2 games right? Yes luka played half a series and advanced to the 2nd round, but he himself does not have 4 wins

[@BIX-18827DCM]

This show got 100x better with Broussards presence. The chemistry and banter is organic

[@stevensibeko7878]

“Canned olives” 😂👌

[@millonsofdollors]

I love Wildes he knows exactly how to mess with Nick

[@meech7520]

This is my new favorite show!

[@goldenstatewarriors9418]

Haha Nick was right in the end…

[@hofffitcoaching7588]

Brou..I come here to listen to level headed analysis..not a bad Stephen. A impression

[@johnzli2008]

So good!

[@markmittens]

Could you imagine what Luka what would be doing with Trae Young's supporting cast

[@kabinetraore7827]

Nick made a great point about how it's not half the game lol

[@noahthorn98]

Nick Wright is so much fun to watch

[@montydec1972]

THESE GUYS ARE MY FAVOURITES!

[@ugoobi290]

😂🤣😂My man Brou talking 😂😂talking to Nick like he his real life literal son.😂."You always go to far!" He taking to him like he had milk and cookies before dinner and Daddy Brou said you can't have no dame milk cookies!😂

[@TheShepdawg9]

Wilds is probably the funniest sports analyst on tv.

[@codyreed3421]

You guys are amazing lol

[@deedeecurtis]

Stop letting players who are scoring less than 30% off the hook. Why isn’t everyone bashing Brunson and Dinwiddie for not stepping up?

[@ThrifterGuy]

My critique of Embid and Chris Paul is always the same. If they can stay healthy they are really good. Chris Paul literally does this every year and then gets hurt. Let's see if this time is different.

[@tepanganiban]

If Luka don’t get enough from his teammates how they always perform without him. Nuggets have a losing record without Joker Mavs have a winning record. Mavs let Luka run wild but are not using Brunson and spencer correctly

[@JamesB-ly8em]

Crazy how Nick praises Luka while Luka is losing. But get on Jordan who put up better numbers Vs a way better team. All Nick says is Jordan is 1-9. Jordan put up insane numbers Vs a top 3 team of all time.

[@JohnFarris2_Zac-MyDox_LZ_BF]

And Nick Wright also likes to overlook one important contextual point in the highest points per game avg comparison when comparing Luka to MJ, Michael Jordan averaged 33.4 pts per game over 179 play-off games... Luka has done it over a paltry 18 games... Luka only has one more playoff game win then MJ actually has Rings, 7 to 6... so please drop the pretense he's as good as or is beating MJ, my gosh...

[@ralphmarrujo1491]

Is it just me or Luka having a loosing record in the playoffs make him NOT one of the all time greats in the playoffs?

[@adamf224]

not his fault he has a subpar team around him

[@sanbell]

Luka is becoming the new Stat Padford

[@hesteelvenondap6871]

Don't worry Nick you proved everybody wrong! The series is now tied 2-2. Hahaha.

[@baltasarwiklund9500]

Fax if defence really half the game tony Allen is a hof

[@johnray527]

Best NBA show, and it's not close.

[@marus3953]

They keep saying Luka doesn't have it and he needs help but then complains when he joins another superstar. There's nothing pleasing these clowns.

[@manueldelgado5858]

Luka targets the slimmer Johnson, the slower bigs, and the smaller chris Paul on pick and roll. NiCK: It's unfair to target Luka on pick and roll.

[@haisibanaag1563]

Sorry Bru but you have to wear the Bru's Nets/Clippers for a while. You guarding CP3 better than Luka is gold though. You killed me with that.

[@Mastadick]

Nick ftw lol... Love the dude

[@filipeforner9476]

This is better than undisputed and first take. Undisputed talks too much about lebron and first take is just a mess.

[@amp3879]

This show is great, they have me dying! 😂 SUNS IN 4!

[@xTJoness]

They act like he don't have time to get better on defense...

[@logancolston8061]

Fresh from the gardens of Athens 😂😂 this show is officially way better than undisputed

[@JohnFarris2_Zac-MyDox_LZ_BF]

And Nick Wright also likes to overlook one important contextual point in the highest points per game avg comparison when comparing Luka to MJ, Michael Jordan averaged 33.4 pts per game over 179 play-off games... Luka has done it over a paltry 18 games... Luka only has one more playoff game win then MJ actually has Rings, 7 to 6... so please drop the pretense he's as good as or is beating MJ, my gosh...

[@no_handle_found]

We all knew Mavs are no match to this Suns team... why are we acting all surprised and finger pointing... admit it that Suns are more talented and better coached with great chemistry on floor. I don't blame Mavs, they made it to semis, which was beyond my expectations.

[@MatthewMoscotto]

CP3 just gave Luka a tutorial on how to be a point guard.

[@christiansantiagophotography]

The era of the lone super star willing their team to victory is over. Can’t do it alone anymore. Gotta have at least one other guy on the team who can be a Star.

[@lucio989]

You've seen CP3 fail over and over and over. Why would you think this is the year? Mavs in 6.

[@kayonrossum4552]

Lol this aged well Tied series now 2-2

[@marquisblakemore8468]

What Nick got to say now about luka and the MAvS 🤣

[@steadyrockwell606]

I honestly think the suns would've beat the bucks last year with McGee on the team. They got more help this year! Let's go suns

[@Adam-zy9fv]

mcgee is underrated but hes not worth 2 games by himself in the same series

[@steadyrockwell606]

@@Adam-zy9fv actually when I think about it, it was Middleton being clutch asf that hurt them. Giannis would have been less effective against Ayton and mcgee

[@Khriss98]

Luka is a sg/sf masquerading as a pg

[@richardgutierrez26]

The last thing you want to do is take the ball out of his hands wtf, Luka needs to get in better shape, and needs a teammate that can play off the ball, someone like Bradley Beal would be perfect with Luka

[@anthonybassett4313]

Beal and Luka would get torched as a back court. Luka needs to learn to play off the ball some so that his teammates feel more involved.

[@DuraanAli]

This show is turning on these guys getting back at each other instead of reaction and anylisis! Come on guys!

[@tuff360]

U can’t even spell analysis 💀 and they’re literally analyzing the game while they are doing it but it’s funny af watching them take shots at each other it’s what makes this show different from first take and undisputed

[@DuraanAli]

@@tuff360 It's called typo and no, taking shots at each other has nothing to do with sports. I'm here for sports, not their little game!

[@DuraanAli]

@@tuff360 If you need that kind stuff, you should watch soap opera tv shows, not a sport show.

[@giffondhall2016]

Keep that same energy for ja when grizzlies lose