In-Depth Analysis: Luka Doncic's Defensive Struggles in Game 3
Statements
Luka Doncic fouled out of Game 3 with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Mavericks, who were making a comeback from down 21 points, saw their momentum halted. Doncic fouled out while trying to play defense, a notable irony given his struggles in this series. Attempting to slide in front of Jaylen Brown for a charge, Doncic didn’t get set in time. The whistle blew, and despite going to replay, the call was upheld. Doncic was gone, and the Mavericks, trailing by three, eventually lost the game 106-99. This loss gave Boston a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Close Call and Defensive Irony
The call was very close; it wouldn’t have been surprising if it had been overturned. Doncic fouled out while defending, a poignant moment given his defensive struggles throughout this series. Notably, Doncic was "blown by" 13 times in Game 2, the most "blown by" times by a single defender in the last 10 postseasons. His slow feet and weak lateral movement have been detrimental, contributing significantly to his team's defensive woes.
Offensive Excellence Amid Defensive Struggles
Doncic has excelled offensively against Jayson Tatum, a bright spot in his otherwise dim playoff performance. Tatum, in contrast, has shown commendable defensive effort, whereas Doncic has been waiting to play offense instead of committing to defense. His effort on the defensive end in the NBA Finals has been laughable to many observers. Even his sternum injury cannot excuse his poor performance, as Doncic has never been known for his defensive prowess. Any improvements have been largely dramatized by his supporters.
Doncic's Defensive Deficiencies
Doncic has been a zero defensively in this series, causing the Mavericks to essentially play four against five on defense. Boston has taken full advantage, living in the paint and generating open 3-pointers due to Doncic’s deficiencies. Compounding the problem, Kyrie Irving is also not a good defender, further complicating matters for Dallas.
Embarrassing Defensive Moments
Doncic's defensive lapses have been stark. In one laughable display of unawareness, he was not close to guarding sharpshooter Sam Hauser and was pointing at the opposite side of the court. He also failed to position himself to help when Brown rejected a screen multiple times, offering bumbling shuffles in Brown’s direction before giving up entirely. Multiple Mavericks had to converge on Brown due to Doncic’s breakdowns. Additionally, Doncic's transition defense left much to be desired as he often stayed on the ground complaining to referees. This lack of effort allowed the Celtics easy opportunities for open 3-pointers.
A Broader Defensive Issue
The Mavericks are outclassed by a wide margin against the Celtics, and the defensive gap can't be blamed solely on Doncic. Nobody on the Mavericks seems able to keep up with the Celtics. The Mavericks’ reputation as a defensive team has turned out to be a mirage. While Doncic is undeniably a gifted offensive player, his defensive ineptitude in this series is glaring. He is not being asked to become an elite defender, merely to show modest improvement. Players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic have managed to turn into fine defenders despite their offensive responsibilities. In contrast, Trae Young and Damian Lillard have long been defensive liabilities.
Quotes and Fan Reactions
Fan reactions and expert commentary have not been kind to Doncic. One notable quote sarcastically compares his defensive efforts to a child picking daisies in right field during a Little League game. Another highlights the absurdity of his performance, stating, "Whatever Doncic is doing, it isn't even in the same universe as trying." Critics have pointed out that 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 this series, leading many to conclude that the series is effectively over for the Mavericks.
In Conclusion
While Luka Doncic remains a phenomenal offensive talent, his lack of defensive engagement has been a critical weakness for the Mavericks in this series. As Boston takes a 3-0 series lead, it's clear that Doncic's deficiencies on the defensive end have played a significant role in Dallas's struggles. The hope for Mavericks fans is that Doncic can find a way to balance his offensive brilliance with at least a competent level of defensive play. Until then, the overwhelming disparity in defensive capability between the Mavericks and Celtics is likely to continue being a decisive factor in this series.