‘They don’t like me’: Luka Doncic laments stat error on nifty backboard assist that wasn’t

The Dallas Mavericks made the most of their home opener against the Memphis Grizzlies, quickly building up a large advantage to grab their first win of the season on Saturday night.

Luka Doncic made a statement with 32 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals. A dominant performance from a player who could be the NBA’s MVP this season.

Doncic’s effort against Memphis also included a flashy play where he went for what appeared to be a backboard pass intended for Dorian Finney-Smith in the third quarter. Statisticians at the game didn’t credit Doncic with the assist, instead giving Finney-Smith a rebound and a putback dunk.

In the postgame press conference, Doncic joked about the stat crew’s decision.

“Yeah, I don’t know. They don’t like me. It should be 11 assists, I think. I don’t make a layup and not touch the rim, so,” Doncic said.

Many Twitter users disputed the assist after the game, with Mavs owner Mark Cuban chiming in to reinforce his superstar’s belief.

The Mavs maintained consistent dominance over the Grizzlies, with Doncic notching his second-consecutive 30-plus point game of the season. It was also the 90th of his career.

Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.