Statements
In a crucial Game 3, Luka Doncic fouled out with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Mavericks were in the midst of a thrilling comeback, clawing their way back from a 21-point deficit. Doncic was attempting to slide in front of Jaylen Brown to draw a charge but failed to get set in time. The whistle blew, and after a replay review, the call was upheld. At that moment, the Mavericks were trailing by three points, and Doncic's departure was a significant blow to their chances. Ultimately, the Mavericks lost the game 106-99, giving Boston a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.
The call was incredibly close and could easily have been overturned, showcasing the fine margins in playoff basketball. However, the irony of Doncic fouling out while defending is stark, especially given his defensive struggles throughout the series. In Game 2 alone, Doncic was "blown by" 13 times, the most by a single defender in the last decade of postseasons. His slow footwork and weak lateral movement have detrimentally impacted the Mavericks' defense.
Despite his struggles on the defensive end, Doncic has been exceptional offensively. He has excelled against Jayson Tatum, who has been giving his all on both ends of the floor. Doncic, on the other hand, appears to be conserving his energy for offensive plays rather than committing to defense. His defensive effort, or lack thereof, has been laughable in the NBA Finals. Although Doncic has been dealing with a sternum injury, it does not excuse his poor performance on defense. His supporters may dramatize any minor improvements in his defense, but the reality is stark. Doncic has been a liability defensively, causing the Mavericks to play four against five on that end of the floor.
Boston has capitalized on Doncic’s deficiencies, dominating the paint and generating open three-point opportunities. Kyrie Irving’s defensive shortcomings further complicate matters for Dallas. Comparisons have been made to James Harden’s notorious defensive lapses, painting a grim picture of Doncic's efforts. He has been caught out of position multiple times, leading to numerous breakdowns that forced his teammates to scramble and cover for him.
Doncic’s failures in transition defense are especially glaring. Often staying on the ground to complain to referees, he has allowed the Celtics to exploit the Mavericks' disorganized defense, resulting in easy open looks. The defensive gap between the two teams is evident, but it cannot be attributed solely to Doncic. No one on the Mavericks has been able to keep up with the Celtics. The team’s reputation as a defensive squad now appears to have been a mirage.
Doncic is undeniably a gifted offensive player, yet his defensive ineptitude stands out starkly in this series. He is not expected to become an elite defender; modest improvement would suffice. Players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic have turned into fine defenders despite their offensive responsibilities. In contrast, players like Trae Young and Damian Lillard have long been defensive liabilities. Doncic, being a better player than both Young and Lillard, must address this glaring issue. In the playoffs, a lack of defensive effort cannot be overlooked; it has been a significant factor in this series.
The verdict on the series is almost unanimous—it is effectively over for the Mavericks. Being down 3-0 to a relentless Celtics team, their chances of mounting a comeback are slim. Doncic's defensive performance has been a crucial failing, contributing heavily to their predicament. As the series progresses, the Mavericks will need to reflect on these shortcomings and work towards a more balanced effort on both ends of the floor.
Quotes
“Many thanks to @CelticsUnite18.”
“Honestly, look at that defense. He is roaming around out there like the kid you put in right field in Little League who just picks daisies all game.”
“It is one thing to be outmatched defensively.”
“Whatever Doncic is doing, it isn't even in the same universe as trying.”
“There are players who play defense and players who wait to play offense, and Doncic is a disinterested portrait of the latter.”
“It's ridiculous.”
“I don't want to hear a word about this sternum injury.”
“You can go from a 10% to a 30% in chemistry class, but you're still a failing student.”
“Luka Doncic is better than both those guys.”