In a pivotal Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Luka Doncic fouled out with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. The sequence that led to his disqualification was a microcosm of his struggles in this series. Trailing by three points and mounting a comeback from a 21-point deficit, the Dallas Mavericks sorely missed their offensive talisman during the final stretch.
Controversial Foul and Replay
Doncic's sixth foul came while he was attempting to slide in front of Jaylen Brown to draw a charge. Unfortunately, he didn’t get set in time, leading to the whistle that sent the play to replay. Despite the close nature of the call, the referees upheld the decision. Consequently, Doncic was forced to watch from the bench as the Mavericks eventually lost the game 106-99, putting Boston up 3-0 in the series.
The foul out has drawn significant attention not just because of its timing, but also due to Doncic's well-documented defensive issues throughout this series.
Defensive Woes
Doncic's defensive performance has been under the microscope, particularly after his Game 2 debacle where he was "blown by" 13 times, more than any defender in the past ten postseasons. His slow feet and weak lateral movement have hindered the Mavericks’ overall defense, forcing them to play essentially four against five when the Celtics have the ball.
Boston has been thriving in the paint and generating open three-point opportunities, thanks largely to Doncic’s defensive deficiencies. His effort—or lack thereof—has been noticed. Doncic has been caught out of position multiple times, failed to help when necessary, and even stayed on the ground complaining to referees while the Celtics capitalized on fast breaks.
Offensive Excellence but Defensive Liability
There’s no denying Doncic's prowess on the offensive end. He has excelled against Jayson Tatum, a commendable defender in his own right. However, offense alone doesn’t win championships, and Doncic’s defensive lapses have become glaringly evident. His defensive efforts—or lack thereof—have even drawn comparisons to the historically poor defense of James Harden.
“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,” quipped one observer.
“It's ridiculous. I don't want to hear a word about this sternum injury,” another added, dismissing any excuses that might absolve Doncic from his poor performance on defense.
The Broader Context
It’s important to note that the Mavericks’ defensive shortcomings aren’t solely on Doncic’s shoulders. The entire team struggled to keep up with the Celtics’ dynamic offense. The reputation Dallas had earned as a defensive team now looks like a facade. Even Kyrie Irving, another key player, is not known for his defensive skills, further complicating Dallas’s efforts.
However, Doncic's reluctance to engage defensively stands out, especially when compared to other elite offensive players who have shown noticeable improvements on the defensive end. Players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic have evolved into credible defenders despite their offensive burdens. In contrast, Trae Young and Damian Lillard have remained defensive liabilities. Doncic is arguably more talented than both Young and Lillard, yet his defensive effort has been a significant factor in this series.
Final Thoughts
The Mavericks face an almost insurmountable challenge with a 3-0 series deficit. “Whatever Doncic is doing, it isn't even in the same universe as trying,” another observer noted. For Doncic, it's not about becoming an elite defender but showing modest improvement and effort.
Doncic encapsulates the dilemma: undeniable offensive brilliance paired with defensive ineptitude. As the Mavericks inch closer to elimination, the gap between their offensive potential and defensive performance has never been more evident. The series is effectively over, and the Mavericks have some soul-searching to do, starting with their star player's commitment to both ends of the floor.