Luka Doncic fed off negative reactions in Game 5 win over Thunder

After shooting a combined 13-of-37 from the field in Game 3 and Game 4, Mavericks star Luka Doncic was under immense pressure going into Wednesday's Game 5 against the Thunder. The star guard responded with arguably his best game of the ongoing postseason, finishing with a stat line of 31 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists while shooting 12-of-22 from the field and 5-of-11 from three.

Doncic also overcame a flurry of boos from the crowd at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.  While it's customary for superstar players of his ilk to face negative reactions in an away playoff game, Doncic dealt with thunderous "Luka sucks" chants, especially in the fourth quarter of a tight game.

After the win, Doncic credited the crowd for inspiring him to have a bounce-back game.

"I love it," Doncic told reporters of the negative reaction. "When they chant 'Luka sucks,' it gets me going. It's even better." 

Doncic also addressed fans in the crowd sporting t-shirts featuring the Mavs star wearing a baby pacifier. The shirts were a shot at Doncic's tendency to incessantly complain about calls to referees.

"They love me, no? They put my face in shirts. It's a lot of attention," Doncic said. 

To his credit, Doncic on Wednesday made a concerted effort to put his head down and play rather than complain about officiating calls. The shift in mindset earned the praise of TNT's Grant Hill during the live broadcast and Doncic himself addressed his in-game demeanor in his postgame interview.