The Makings of a Modern NBA Rivalry
In recent years, the NBA has witnessed the birth of a captivating new rivalry between two of the league’s brightest young stars: Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks. Their battles on the court have been nothing short of electric, fueled by a competitive fire that has led to viral moments, playoff heroics, and no shortage of entertaining trash talk.
The Booker-Doncic rivalry truly ignited during the 2022 Western Conference Semifinals. After the Suns took a 3-2 series lead, Booker took a jab at Doncic in Game 5, mockingly calling a foul by Doncic “The Luka Special” as he laid on the court. Doncic, never one to back down, reportedly fired back as he left the court, saying “Everybody acts tough when they’re up.”
But Doncic would get the last laugh in epic fashion. In Game 7, the Slovenian superstar put on one of the most dominant Game 7 performances in NBA playoff history, matching the Suns’ entire first-half point total by himself en route to a 123-90 rout. The image of a stone-faced Doncic sitting on the bench as the Suns called timeout became an instant meme and punctuated the Mavs’ stunning upset.
Despite the intensity of their playoff clash, Booker and Doncic have maintained a healthy respect for each other. Booker noted their mutual regard goes back to Doncic’s rookie year, while Doncic told JJ Redick their relationship is “good” and that the tension is not really between them. A candid moment caught on camera during 2023’s Christmas Day matchup captured this, with Booker pausing mid-game to congratulate Doncic on the birth of his daughter.
The Numbers Behind the Rivalry
A closer look at their head-to-head matchups reveals the statistical gap between these two stars when they go toe-to-toe:
- In 15 regular season meetings, Booker holds an 11-4 advantage
- But in their 7 playoff clashes, Doncic leads 4-3
- Doncic’s averages vs. Booker: 28.7 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 8.3 apg
- Booker’s averages vs. Doncic: 24.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 5.0 apg
While Booker has had the upper hand in the regular season, Doncic has raised his game to another level in their playoff duels. His ability to completely take over games, as evidenced by his Game 7 masterpiece, has given him a slight edge in their most important matchups to date.
More Than Just Buckets
What makes the Booker-Doncic rivalry so compelling is that it extends beyond just putting up gaudy point totals. Both are the unquestioned leaders of their teams and have a flair for the dramatic with the game on the line. Trash talk and icy staredowns only add to the theater.
Another layer is the fact that they are battling for Western Conference supremacy. The Suns and Mavs have been two of the West’s top teams over the past few seasons, with their playoff series carrying major implications. Each matchup feels like a measuring stick game, a chance to claim the upper hand in a rivalry that could define the conference for years to come.
The Next Great NBA Rivalry?
All the ingredients are there for Booker vs. Doncic to become the NBA’s next marquee rivalry. Both are under 28 years old and just entering their primes. They are the faces of their franchises. The stakes are always high when they meet. And there is no love lost between them when the ball goes up, even if a begrudging respect remains off the court.
Fans have already been treated to memorable regular season duels and an all-time playoff clash. As Booker and Doncic continue their ascent to superstardom and their teams jockey for position in a stacked Western Conference, their budding rivalry has the potential to turn into an epic, long-running battle that defines the next era of the NBA. If the early chapters are any indication, basketball fans are in for a treat whenever these two generational talents collide on the hardwood.
