Game 3 Recap: Luka Doncic Fouled Out as Mavericks' Defensive Struggles Persist
Luka Doncic fouled out of Game 3 with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. His exit came as the Mavericks were mounting a comeback from being down by 21 points. Doncic's attempt to slide in front of Jaylen Brown for a charge didn't go as planned. He failed to get set in time, resulting in a whistle and a replay review that upheld the original call. With Doncic gone and the Mavericks trailing by three, the effort fell short, culminating in a 106-99 loss. Boston now holds a commanding 3-0 series lead.
The call on Doncic was very close and wouldn't have been surprising if overturned. Fouling out while defending is particularly ironic given his defensive struggles in this series. In Game 2 alone, Doncic was "blown by" 13 times—the highest number by a single defender in the last ten postseasons. His slow feet and weak lateral movement have been glaring deficiencies.
Offensive Brilliance Marred by Defensive Ineptitude
Though Doncic has excelled offensively against Jayson Tatum, his defensive efforts pale in comparison. Tatum has shown commendable defensive determination, while Doncic has seemed disinterested, appearing to wait for offensive opportunities rather than committing to defense. This lack of effort has been glaring throughout the Finals. Doncic's sternum injury, often cited by his supporters, is not seen as a valid excuse for his abysmal defensive performance. Historically a weak defender, any improvements in his game have been dramatized.
The Mavericks essentially play with a handicap, defending four against five due to Doncic’s deficiencies. His lack of defensive presence allows Boston to thrive in the paint and generate open 3-pointers. Additionally, Kyrie Irving's own defensive shortcomings exacerbate the problem for Dallas.
Comparisons have been drawn between Doncic's defensive efforts and James Harden’s historically poor defense. In a laughable display of unawareness, Doncic was caught pointing in the opposite direction while supposedly guarding sharpshooter Sam Hauser. This isn’t an isolated incident; Doncic's poor positioning and slow reactions repeatedly force his teammates to compensate, undermining the team’s overall defensive scheme.
The Greater Defensive Issue
Transition defense has also been an issue for Doncic, as he often stays on the ground complaining to referees while the Celtics walk into open 3-pointers. The Mavericks are clearly outclassed against the Celtics, and Doncic's shortcomings aren't solely to blame. No one on the Mavericks can keep pace with Boston. This series has highlighted that the Mavericks’ reputation as a defensive team was a mirage.
While Doncic is undeniably a gifted offensive player, his defensive ineptitude in this series is glaring. Despite not being asked to become an elite defender, Doncic has failed to show even modest improvement. Players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic have turned into competent defenders despite heavy offensive responsibilities, while Trae Young and Damian Lillard have long been defensive liabilities. Interestingly, Doncic is often considered better than both Young and Lillard, highlighting the frustration with his lack of defensive effort.
Doncic’s defensive failures have been a significant factor in this series. The Mavericks are effectively out of contention, trailing 3-0 in the series. Addressing Doncic’s defensive limitations is imperative for any future playoff success.
Quotes from Observers
“Many thanks to @CelticsUnite18,” a fan exclaimed, pointing out the Boston Celtics’ defensive prowess.
“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,” someone observed, capturing the frustration with Doncic’s lack of defensive effort.
“It is one thing to be outmatched defensively,” another noted. “Whatever Doncic is doing, it isn't even in the same universe as trying,” summed up the palpable disappointment in Doncic’s defense.
“There are players who play defense and players who wait to play offense, and Doncic is a disinterested portrait of the latter,” a critic stated bluntly. Adding to the discourse, others remarked, “It's ridiculous,” and “I don't want to hear a word about this sternum injury.”
Finally, a telling analogy was shared: “You can go from a 10% to a 30% in chemistry class, but you're still a failing student,” illustrating the need for more substantial progress rather than marginal improvements.
In conclusion, while Luka Doncic remains a formidable offensive talent, his defensive efforts in this series have been a significant liability for the Mavericks. The team must find a way to address these issues if they hope to compete at the highest levels in future playoff series.