Doncic Fouls Out as Mavericks Falter in Game 3
Luka Doncic fouled out of Game 3 with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Mavericks were making a spirited comeback from a 21-point deficit, trailing by just three points when Doncic attempted to slide in front of Jaylen Brown to draw a charge. Unfortunately for Doncic, he didn't get set in time. The whistle blew, and following a replay review, the call was upheld. Doncic was out of the game, and the Mavericks’ rally lost steam. They eventually lost the game 106-99, giving Boston a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Defensive Struggles Continue
Doncic’s ejection while defending is ironic, given his defensive struggles throughout the series. In Game 2, Doncic was "blown by" 13 times, the most by a single defender in the last decade of postseasons. His slow feet and weak lateral movement have been a significant detriment to the Mavericks' defense.
In contrast to his defensive woes, Doncic has excelled offensively against Jayson Tatum. Tatum has made a concerted effort defensively, while Doncic has often been caught merely waiting to get back on offense rather than committing to defensive responsibilities. This lack of defensive effort has been glaring and has become a significant talking point throughout the series.
A Comedy of Errors
Doncic's defensive lapses have been startling. During transition defense, he has been seen staying on the ground, complaining to referees, allowing the Celtics to walk into open three-pointers. On another occasion, Doncic failed to be in position to help when Brown rejected a screen, opting for bumbling shuffles that did little to impede Brown's progress.
His defensive failures have forced multiple Mavericks to converge on the attacking Celtics, leading to further breakdowns and open shots. In one laughable display of unawareness, Doncic was caught pointing at the opposite side of the court instead of guarding sharpshooter Sam Hauser.
Not the Lone Problem
While Doncic's defensive shortcomings are evident, the blame for the Mavericks' precarious position doesn’t rest on his shoulders alone. Kyrie Irving, another key player, also struggles defensively, further complicating matters for Dallas. The Mavericks' reputation as a defensive team has been exposed as a facade, with nobody on the roster able to keep up with the Celtics.
It is undeniable that Doncic is a gifted offensive player, but his defensive effort—or lack thereof—has been impossible to overlook during these playoffs. Comparing him to players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic, who have turned into respectable defenders despite their offensive workloads, highlights Doncic's deficiencies even more starkly. Conversely, players like Trae Young and Damian Lillard, who have long been defensive liabilities, serve as cautionary tales.
Series All But Over
The 3-0 series deficit is effectively a death knell for the Mavericks. Doncic’s lack of defensive effort has been a significant factor in this series. As one observer put it, “Many thanks to @CelticsUnite18.”
Critics and fans alike have voiced their frustration. One comment aptly compared Doncic to a disinterested little league player: “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.” Harsh but seemingly fair, given Doncic's visible lack of effort.
Another commentator noted, “There are players who play defense and players who wait to play offense, and Doncic is a disinterested portrait of the latter.” It’s a tough pill to swallow for Mavericks fans, especially those unwilling to accept any excuses about Doncic's sternum injury.
One thing is clear: Doncic's defensive ineptitude has been a glaring issue that the Mavericks cannot afford to ignore moving forward. While nobody is asking him to become an elite defender, even a modest improvement would be a game-changer.
In the end, the Mavericks have been thoroughly outclassed by the Celtics. Doncic's performance, particularly on defense, has been a significant factor in their downfall. The series isn't technically over, but it might as well be.