Doncic Fouled Out in Crucial Game 3
Luka Doncic fouled out of Game 3 with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter, an event that has drawn significant attention and criticism. His foul came while he was trying to play defense, as the Mavericks were mounting a comeback from being down 21 points. Attempting to slide in front of Jaylen Brown for a charge, Doncic did not get set in time. The whistle blew, and after a replay review, the call was upheld. This left the Mavericks trailing by three points without their star player. They eventually lost the game 106-99, giving Boston a commanding 3-0 series lead.
The call was very close, and many believed it could have been overturned. Ironically, Doncic fouled out while defending, an area where he has notably struggled throughout this series. In Game 2 alone, he was "blown by" 13 times, the highest in the last 10 postseasons by a single defender. His slow feet and weak lateral movement have been detrimental to the Mavericks' defense.
Defensive Struggles and Offensive Strengths
Despite his struggles on defense, Doncic has excelled offensively against Jayson Tatum. Tatum has been giving a strong defensive effort, whereas Doncic has not reciprocated on the defensive end. It appears Doncic has been conserving his energy for offense, an approach that has been glaringly detrimental to his team. His defensive effort has been described as laughable in the NBA Finals, raising questions about his commitment to contributing on both ends of the floor.
While injury can often be cited as a reason for poor performance, Doncic's sternum injury does not excuse his lack of defensive effort. Critics argue that Doncic has never been a good defender and any improvements in his defense have been exaggerated by his supporters. In this series, his deficiencies have caused the Mavericks to essentially play four against five on defense. This has allowed Boston to dominate in the paint and generate open three-pointers, capitalizing on the gaps created by Doncic's lackadaisical defense.
Kyrie Irving, another key player for Dallas, is also not known for his defensive prowess, further complicating matters for the Mavericks. Comparisons have been made between Doncic's defensive efforts and those of James Harden, who has similarly been criticized for his defense over the years. Doncic has been caught out of position multiple times, failing to execute basic defensive tasks. His unawareness was highlighted in a moment where he was pointing to the opposite side of the court, failing to guard sharpshooter Sam Hauser.
Doncic's transition defense has also been poor; he was often found staying on the ground and complaining to referees while the Celtics capitalized with open three-pointers. The Mavericks, as a whole, have been outclassed by the Celtics, and while the defensive gap cannot be blamed solely on Doncic, his lack of effort has been a significant factor.
Looking Forward
There is no denying Doncic's offensive abilities. He is a gifted player who can score and facilitate at an elite level. However, his defensive ineptitude in this series has been glaring. No one is asking Doncic to become an elite defender, but modest improvement is expected. Players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic have shown that it is possible to be effective on both ends of the court despite heavy offensive responsibilities. On the other hand, players like Trae Young and Damian Lillard have long been defensive liabilities, and it appears Doncic is heading down a similar path unless changes are made.
The Mavericks may have a reputation as a defensive team, but this series has exposed that as a mirage. Boston has capitalized on every defensive lapse, and the series is effectively over for Dallas. Doncic's defense is impossible to overlook, especially in the playoffs where every possession counts. His lack of defensive effort has been a significant factor in the Mavericks' struggles, and if they are to be taken seriously as contenders, Doncic will need to show greater commitment on the defensive end.
In conclusion, while Luka Doncic remains an exceptional offensive talent, his defensive deficiencies have been spotlighted in this series against Boston. The Mavericks now face an almost insurmountable 3-0 deficit, and it is clear that for the team to progress in future seasons, Doncic must address and improve his defensive effort.