Statements
Luka Doncic fouled out of Game 3 with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. This crucial moment saw Doncic trying to defend, but his efforts landed him in foul trouble. The Mavericks had been making a spirited comeback from being down by 21 points when Doncic attempted to slide in front of Jaylen Brown to take a charge. Unfortunately for the Mavericks' star, he didn’t get set in time, and the whistle blew. The play was reviewed, but the call was upheld, leading to Doncic's ejection with his team trailing by three. Ultimately, the Mavericks lost the game 106-99, granting Boston a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Close Call and Defensive Struggles
While the decision to keep the call could have gone either way, it highlights the irony of Doncic fouling out on a defensive play, considering his struggles on that end throughout the series. In Game 2, Doncic was "blown by" 13 times, the most for any single defender in the last decade of postseasons. Luka's slow footwork and poor lateral movement have been glaring issues, detrimental to his team's defensive scheme.
Doncic has excelled offensively against Jayson Tatum, who, in contrast, has been putting in the effort on defense. Doncic's reluctance to commit to defense and his tendency to wait for offensive opportunities have been evident. This lack of defensive dedication from Doncic has been a significant talking point, especially as it has had a considerable impact in the NBA Finals.
The Critics Speak Out
Critics have not held back in their assessment of Doncic's defensive performance. Descriptions like "laughable" and comparisons to James Harden’s infamous lapses on defense paint a stark picture. Specific incidents have further fueled this criticism. For example, Doncic was seen pointing to the opposite side of the court, completely out of position while defending sharpshooter Sam Hauser. Moreover, Doncic’s failure to help when Jaylen Brown rejected screens multiple times and his bumbling shuffles before giving up entirely have showcased his defensive deficiencies.
Team Dynamics and Defensive Gaps
The Mavericks' defense as a whole has also faltered. Boston has been exploiting these lapses by living in the paint and generating open three-point opportunities. Doncic’s deficiencies have forced other Mavericks to overextend, leading to breakdowns. Additionally, Kyrie Irving's lack of defensive prowess compounds the issue for Dallas.
While Doncic's defensive efforts have been a significant concern, it’s important to note that the Mavericks as a team have been outclassed by Boston. The team’s reputation as a solid defensive unit has been exposed as a mirage in this series. However, it cannot be solely blamed on Doncic, as no one on the Mavericks roster seems capable of matching the Celtics' pace and intensity.
Offensive Brilliance Amid Defensive Lapses
Despite his defensive struggles, Doncic is undeniably a gifted offensive player. This series highlighted the stark contrast between his offensive genius and defensive ineptitude. While players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic have managed to balance their offensive responsibilities with commendable defensive effort, Doncic’s reluctance to improve on defense remains a glaring issue. Comparisons to Trae Young and Damian Lillard, who have long been criticized for their defensive liabilities, place Doncic in a similar category, although he is seen as a better overall player.
The call for Doncic to not become an elite defender but merely show modest improvement speaks volumes. In the playoffs, every defensive lapse is magnified, and Doncic's lack of defensive effort has been a significant factor in this series. His deficiencies have effectively turned the series into a mismatch, with Boston now holding a 3-0 lead.
Conclusion: The End of the Road?
The Mavericks are now facing an insurmountable task. The series is effectively over for a team that has been outclassed in almost every aspect. Doncic’s defensive efforts—or the lack thereof—have been a significant factor, but it would be unfair to place the entire blame on him. The Mavericks as a team need a complete overhaul to match the elite squads in the NBA. For now, though, the focus remains on Doncic, who must address his defensive weaknesses if he hopes to lead his team to greater heights in future playoff runs.