Statements
In a pivotal Game 3, Luka Doncic fouled out with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Mavericks were trailing by three points, mounting a significant comeback from a 21-point deficit. Doncic attempted to slide in front of Jaylen Brown to take a charge, but he didn’t get set in time. The whistle blew, the play went to replay, and the call was upheld, sealing Doncic’s fate for the remainder of the game.
Luka Doncic’s Defensive Struggles
The call was very close and could have gone either way. However, the fact remains that Doncic was gone, and the Mavericks eventually lost the game 106-99, putting them in a 3-0 series hole. This event is ironic given Doncic’s defensive struggles throughout this series. In Game 2, Doncic was "blown by" defenders a record 13 times, the most in the last ten postseasons by a single defender. His slow feet and weak lateral movement have proven to be a significant detriment for the Mavericks.
While Doncic has excelled offensively against Jayson Tatum, it’s been Tatum who has shown considerable effort on both ends of the floor. Doncic, unfortunately, has been waiting just to play offense instead of committing himself to the defensive side. His laughable defensive effort in the NBA Finals has not been masked by his offense.
Not Just an Injury Issue
Doncic’s sternum injury might tempt some to offer him an excuse, but the statistics and eye test reveal the stark reality: Doncic has never been a good defender. Any perceived improvements in his defense have been dramatized by his ardent supporters. In this series, Doncic’s deficiencies have resulted in the Mavericks playing what is essentially four-on-five defense. Boston has capitalized, living in the paint and generating open 3-point opportunities due to Doncic’s lapses.
Compounding the issue, Doncic is not the only defensive liability on the Mavericks. Kyrie Irving also struggles in that area, further complicating matters for Dallas. Doncic’s defensive performance has drawn comparisons to James Harden’s notorious defensive lapses. His lack of awareness was also highlighted when sharpshooter Sam Hauser was wide open, with Doncic pointing to the opposite side of the court in a display of poor awareness.
Falling Short of Defensive Expectations
Further instances of defensive failure were apparent when Doncic was out of position multiple times on plays involving Brown. Multiple Mavericks converged on Brown because of Doncic's breakdowns, illustrating Doncic’s failure to be the defensive anchor the team desperately needs. Additionally, his poor transition defense, including staying on the ground to complain to referees while the Celtics walked into another open 3-pointer, showcased a lack of effort that has been impossible to overlook.
Boston's Dominance
It’s clear that the Mavericks are outclassed by a wide margin against the Celtics. While the defensive gap can’t be blamed solely on Doncic, it’s undeniable that Doncic’s poor defense has been a significant factor. The Mavericks' reputation as a defensive team has proven to be a mirage in this series. Despite Luka Doncic being a gifted offensive player, his lack of defensive effort has been glaring, especially in the playoffs.
Players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic have managed to turn into fine defenders despite their offensive responsibilities. In contrast, Doncic’s defensive effort remains lackluster. Other players, like Trae Young and Damian Lillard, have long been defensive liabilities, but Doncic is supposed to be better than both of them.
Conclusion
Doncic's defensive deficiencies are impossible to overlook, particularly in the crucible of the playoffs. His lack of defensive effort has played a significant role in the current state of the series, which is effectively over for the Mavericks. The expectations for Doncic’s defense are not to become an elite stopper but to show modest improvement. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case, and the Mavericks have paid the price.
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.”