Statements
Luka Doncic fouled out of Game 3 with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter while attempting to play defense. The Mavericks were making a comeback from being down 21 points when Doncic tried to slide in front of Jaylen Brown for a charge but didn’t get set in time. The whistle blew, the play went to replay, and the call was upheld. Doncic was ejected with the Mavericks trailing by three. Ultimately, the Mavericks lost the game 106-99, and Boston now holds a commanding 3-0 series lead. The call was very close, and it wouldn’t have been surprising if it had been overturned.
This foul-out was particularly ironic given Doncic's defensive struggles throughout the series. In Game 2 alone, Doncic was "blown by" 13 times, the most by a single defender in the last 10 postseasons. His slow feet and weak lateral movement have been particularly detrimental. While Doncic has excelled offensively against Jayson Tatum, his defensive efforts have been glaringly insufficient. Tatum has been putting in the effort defensively, whereas Doncic has not. Doncic appears to be waiting for his turn on offense instead of committing to defense, which has been a significant issue in the NBA Finals.
Doncic’s defensive effort in this series has been laughable. His sternum injury is not a valid excuse for his poor performances, and even his most ardent supporters must admit that he has never been a good defender. Any improvements in his defense have been exaggerated, and he has been a liability on that end in this series. Doncic's deficiencies have forced the Mavericks to play effectively four against five on defense, enabling Boston to dominate the paint and generate open 3-pointers.
Complicating matters further for Dallas, Kyrie Irving is also not a good defender. Doncic's defensive efforts have been compared to those of James Harden's infamous lapses. In one particularly laughable display, Doncic failed to guard sharpshooter Sam Hauser and was pointing in the opposite direction of the play. He repeatedly found himself out of position, forcing multiple Mavericks to converge on Brown due to his breakdowns.
Doncic’s failures in transition defense and his habit of staying on the ground to complain to referees have been particularly egregious. His lack of effort has allowed the Celtics to walk into open 3-pointers, further highlighting the defensive gap between the two teams. The Mavericks have been outclassed by a wide margin against the Celtics, but it’s not solely Doncic’s fault—none of the Mavericks have been able to keep up with Boston. The team’s reputation as a defensive unit has proven to be a mirage.
Despite his defensive issues, Doncic remains an undeniably gifted offensive player. However, his defensive ineptitude in this series cannot be overlooked. Doncic isn’t expected to become an elite defender, but even modest improvement would make a significant difference. Players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic have managed to become fine defenders despite their heavy offensive responsibilities. In contrast, Trae Young and Damian Lillard have long been known as defensive liabilities.
Doncic is better than both Young and Lillard, yet his lack of defensive effort remains a significant factor, especially in the playoffs. The Mavericks have a long list of issues that need addressing, starting with Doncic's defensive liabilities. The series, now effectively over for the Mavericks, serves as a glaring reminder of the importance of effort and commitment 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.”