Statements
Doncic Fouled Out as Mavericks Falter in Game 3
Luka Doncic fouled out of Game 3 with just 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. Doncic was attempting to play defense when he fouled out, and the Mavericks were in the midst of a comeback from a 21-point deficit. Doncic tried to slide in front of Jaylen Brown to take a charge, but he didn’t get set in time. The whistle blew, and after a review, the call was upheld. At that point, Doncic was out, and the Mavericks were trailing by three points. The team ultimately lost the game 106-99, putting Boston up with a 3-0 series lead.
Defensive Woes Plague Doncic
The call that fouled out Doncic was very close and could have easily been overturned. This irony was not lost on observers, considering Doncic's defensive struggles throughout the series. In Game 2, Doncic was "blown by" 13 times, the most by any single defender in the last ten postseasons. His slow feet and weak lateral movement have made him a significant liability for the Mavericks. While he has excelled offensively against Jayson Tatum, his defensive efforts have been markedly poor.
Jayson Tatum has been putting in effort on both ends of the court, whereas Doncic has appeared to reserve his energy for offense. His reluctance to commit to defense has been glaring, especially in the high-stakes atmosphere of the NBA Finals. Despite a sternum injury, Doncic’s poor defensive performance cannot be excused. He has never been regarded as a good defender, and the perceived improvements in his defense have been exaggerated by his supporters.
Mavericks Outclassed by Celtics
Doncic's deficiencies have often left the Mavericks playing four against five on defense, allowing the Celtics to dominate the paint and open up plenty of three-point opportunities. Kyrie Irving’s lackluster defense has further compounded the Mavericks' challenges. The comparison of Doncic’s defensive efforts to those of James Harden, who has often been criticized for his defensive play, provides a stark illustration of the Mavericks' struggles.
Time and time again, Doncic was out of position, failing to guard sharpshooter Sam Hauser and offering bumbling shuffles toward Brown before giving up entirely. When Brown rejected a screen multiple times, Doncic was absent in his help defense, forcing other Mavericks to converge on Brown due to his breakdowns.
In transition defense, Doncic was similarly ineffective, staying on the ground to complain about calls while the Celtics capitalized by securing open three-pointers. The Mavericks' defensive reputation has proven to be a mirage, as they find themselves thoroughly outclassed by Boston.
Offensive Brilliance Amid Defensive Shortcomings
Doncic is undeniably a gifted offensive player, but his defensive shortcomings in this series have been painfully apparent. His lack of effort on defense cannot be overlooked, especially in the playoffs, where every possession counts. It's not about turning Doncic into an elite defender but rather expecting some modest improvement. Players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic have managed to become competent defenders despite their offensive responsibilities.
In contrast, players such as Trae Young and Damian Lillard have long been considered defensive liabilities. Despite these comparisons, Doncic is still regarded as better than Young and Lillard. However, his defensive deficiencies have become increasingly detrimental to his team's success in the postseason.
The Series' Conclusion Looms
With Boston holding a commanding 3-0 series lead, the Mavericks are facing an uphill battle. Doncic’s lack of defensive effort has been a significant factor in the series, effectively undermining Dallas's chances. As one critic pointedly remarked, “Many thanks to @CelticsUnite18,” echoing the frustration felt by many Mavericks' fans and supporters. Another critic likened Doncic's defensive efforts to “the kid you put in right field in Little League who just picks daisies all game.”
Evaluations of Doncic’s performance have been harsh but not unwarranted. A sarcastic remark about his sternum injury summed it up: “I don't want to hear a word about this sternum injury.” The analogy of improving from a 10% to a 30% in a chemistry class, yet still being a failing student, highlights the overall disappointment.
Doncic is better than some of his peers, but his defense is impossible to ignore. As the Mavericks face the daunting task of trying to come back in this series, Doncic’s defensive liabilities remain a glaring concern. Regardless of his offensive brilliance, his lack of defensive effort has been a crucial element in the Mavericks' downfall, leaving the team on the brink of elimination.