Nothing Signals Your Season Is Over Quite Like The Dreaded Luka Doncic Stare

Glenn James. Getty Images.

The Minnesota Timberwolves had an incredible season. Their 56 wins were the most in a season since they won 58 in 2003-04, a season that ended in a WCF loss. Their defense was incredible all year and Anthony Edwards has exploded as a star. 

But make no mistake, their season is over.

Unfortunately, that's the reality of the 0-3 hole. Sure they can claw back and make it a series just like we saw the Celtics do last year after their 0-3 ECF hole, but the 154-0 record is the 154-0 record. It would take something never before seen in NBA history to stay alive, and given the matchup issues in this series, I don't think it's crazy to suggest ripping off 4 straight wins isn't exactly on the horizon.

Aside from the 0-3 hole, there's another sign the Wolves season is over. They've now been on the receiving end of the Luka Stare. Once that makes an appearance, NBA history has shown us that it's curtains for you

The beauty of these stares isn't just the fact that they are hilarious and very demoralizing, it's also the fact that they almost always come after Luka Doncic has given you absolute hell for 48 minutes. Last night's Game 3 win was no different (with some Kyrie Magic sprinkled in as well)

When he spends all night busting your ass and then late in the 4th there's some sort of stoppage or FTs happening and he begins to walk over to the other team's star to unleash that smile/stare, that has to be a brutal feeling. As a player, there's nothing you can do to stop it. As a fan, there's nothing you can do to stop it. It's his signature kiss of death move which I sneaky kind of like. I sure as shit hope to not experience it next round, but as a general move? A+. 

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We've yet to see it backfire and age poorly for Luka, which tells me he's selective as to when to use it. He waits until it's the final death blow, which is smart. A move like that loses all the juice if you keep doing it and then don't actually eliminate the opponent. But as it stands now, once you see it, it means your basketball season has come to an end. That's tough.

What makes Luka exciting is there's also the demon version, which we saw in Game 2

so it's not like Luka is some sort of softy. He's a killer. He'll fuck you up with whatever offensive move is required at the time, and then he'll talk all of his shit right in your face. I think that's partly why I love the smile/stare move once he knows he has you cooked. That has to be so demoralizing as an opponent, and all you can do is just sit there and take it. Look at Ant, Booker, and Harden in those photos. They are powerless and their only move is to take it on the chin and get ready for their vacation.

So to any Wolves fans out there who are maybe still holding on to the tiniest bit of hope, I get it. I've been there. Anything is possible, it's not over until the fat lady sings, etc etc. As a basketball fan, I'm all in favor of the Wolves finding a way to win a game or two so we don't have to go 500 years without basketball before the Finals start.

But winning the series? I'm sorry. Not only is NBA history not on your side, Luka brought out the season-ending stare. That's just too much for one team to overcome, regardless of who it is.