Statements on Doncic’s Defensive Woes in Game 3
Luka Doncic fouled out of Game 3 with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter while the Dallas Mavericks were clawing back from a significant deficit. Attempting to slide in front of Jaylen Brown for a charge, Doncic was not set in time, leading to his sixth foul and a trip to the bench. Despite a review, the call was upheld, leaving the Mavericks trailing by three points. The game ended with a 106-99 victory for Boston, who now leads the series 3-0.
This crucial moment highlighted a broader theme for Doncic in this series: his defensive struggles. Ironically, he fouled out while attempting defense, an area where he has been notably weak throughout. In Game 2, Doncic was "blown by" 13 times, setting a record for the last ten postseasons. His slow footwork and weak lateral movement have exposed him repeatedly.
Offensively, Doncic has been stellar, often excelling against opposing star Jayson Tatum. However, Tatum has balanced his offensive output with strong defensive effort, while Doncic has not matched that intensity on the other end. Doncic seems more focused on awaiting offensive opportunities rather than committing to defensive responsibilities. His defensive effort in the NBA Finals has been, quite frankly, laughable.
Critics argue that Doncic’s sternum injury is not a valid excuse for his poor defensive performance. They point out that Doncic has never been a strong defender and that any perceived improvements are overstated by his fans. Doncic has been a non-factor defensively, forcing the Mavericks to play 4-on-5 on that end of the court. As a result, Boston has found it easy to score in the paint and generate open three-point shots.
Kyrie Irving’s reputation as a subpar defender only complicates matters for Dallas. Comparisons have been drawn between Doncic’s defensive efforts and those of notoriously poor defender James Harden. There have been multiple instances where Doncic has shown a lack of awareness and effort. For example, he was caught pointing at the wrong side of the court, leaving sharpshooter Sam Hauser wide open. Additionally, when Brown rejected screens, Doncic’s response was often lethargic and ineffective.
Doncic’s failings are not limited to half-court defense. His transition defense has also been abysmal, often staying on the ground to complain to referees while the Celtics capitalized with open three-pointers. This lack of effort has left his teammates scrambling to cover gaps, making defensive breakdowns more frequent.
Indeed, the Mavericks appear significantly outclassed by the Celtics. However, it’s essential to note that the defensive gap isn’t solely Doncic’s fault. The Mavericks, as a whole, have struggled to contain Boston's offensive threats. Dallas’s reputation as a defensive team seems increasingly like a mirage.
While Doncic’s offensive prowess is undeniable, his lack of defensive effort stands out starkly in this series. No one is asking him to become an elite defender, but even a modest improvement would make a significant difference. Players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic have managed to become respectable defenders despite their enormous offensive responsibilities. In contrast, Doncic’s effort—or lack thereof—puts him closer to the defensive liabilities of Trae Young and Damian Lillard, whom he is undeniably better than.
Doncic’s defensive ineptitude is especially glaring in the playoffs, where every possession counts. His lack of effort has been a significant factor in the Mavericks’ current situation, down 3-0 and facing an almost insurmountable deficit. The series is effectively over for the Mavericks, and Doncic’s defensive performance has been a decisive factor in their downfall.
Quotes from Analysts
Many have voiced their frustrations with Doncic’s defensive shortcomings. “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,” one analyst quipped. Another commented, “Doncic is better than both Trae Young and Damian Lillard, but his defense is inexcusable.”
Others pointed out the symbolism in Doncic’s failures. “You can go from a 10% to a 30% in chemistry class, but you're still a failing student,” one commentator noted, highlighting that minor improvements in effort are not enough when the baseline is so low. “I don't want to hear a word about this sternum injury,” another critic added, dismissing any attempts to excuse Doncic’s performance.
In summary, Luka Doncic remains an offensive juggernaut but his defensive liabilities have been a glaring issue in the Mavericks’ series against the Celtics. Unless he shows a significant turnaround in effort and execution, the outlook for Dallas remains bleak.