In a critical sequence during Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Luka Doncic’s defensive shortcomings and flop attempts were painfully evident.
I love you Luka but this is unacceptable in the nba finals.
You can’t foul bait on 2 straight possessions and fall to the floor, then complain to the refs and allow 2 straight easy baskets on the other hand. https://t.co/NxP8hQd8ax
— Jake (@playoffjake) June 13, 2024
Near the end of the first quarter, with the Mavericks leading 31-25, Doncic attempted a three-pointer and flopped, hoping to draw a foul. Instead of getting back on defense, he lingered, appealing to the referees. This lapse allowed the Celtics to get a wide-open three-pointer, which Sam Hauser converted, cutting the lead to 31-28.
Moments later, Doncic tried another step-back three and once again flopped, unsuccessfully attempting to bait the referees. Failing to return on defense, he left his team vulnerable. Jayson Tatum, who was cherry-picking, received the ball and executed an uncontested dunk, reducing the Mavericks’ lead to one point.
Doncic’s overall performance in Game 3 was lackluster. He finished with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists on 11-of-27 shooting from the field and a dismal 1-of-7 from three-point range. His defensive efforts, or lack thereof, were glaring throughout the game. This was compounded by his fouling out with over four minutes remaining, severely hampering the Mavericks’ comeback attempt.
The Celtics capitalized on Doncic’s defensive weaknesses and took a commanding 3-0 lead in the series with a 106-99 victory. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were instrumental in the win, scoring 31 and 30 points respectively. The Celtics now stand on the brink of securing their 18th championship.
Doncic’s flops and subsequent defensive lapses highlighted a persistent issue in his game that has been exploited by the Celtics throughout the series. His failure to play effective defense and his tendency to seek fouls rather than focus on his defensive responsibilities have significantly hurt his team.
Doncic’s defensive liabilities were a recurring theme in the series. In Game 1, the Celtics targeted him relentlessly, and in Game 2, he was blown by 13 times, directly leading to several Celtics points. Game 3 was no different, as his poor defensive showing contributed to the Mavericks’ struggles.
The Mavericks now face the daunting task of trying to overcome a 3-0 deficit, something no team in NBA history has accomplished. For Doncic, improving his defensive effort and avoiding unnecessary flops will be crucial if the Mavericks hope to extend the series and mount an improbable comeback.
This Series Is Done
0-158. This is the record of teams when they go down 0-3 in any playoff series. No team has ever come back from this deficit. Only four teams have ever forced a Game 7. But this series is done.
The Mavericks have been outmatched by the Celtics in every game. They lost Game 1 decisively, 107-89, as they were taken aback by the Celtics’ offensive firepower, depth, and strength. In Game 2, they kept it close but still fell short, losing 105-98. Game 3 saw another defeat, 106-99, despite a valiant effort.
In Games 1 and 2, Kyrie Irving failed to deliver, averaging just 14.0 points per game. Although he bounced back in Game 3 with 35 points, his partner in crime, Luka Doncic, struggled with foul trouble and inefficiency. Doncic’s defensive lapses and poor shooting were detrimental, as he fouled out with over four minutes left, hampering the Mavericks’ comeback attempt.
The Celtics, on the other hand, have proven to be a superior team with better depth and defense. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been outstanding, consistently delivering clutch performances. The Celtics’ ability to adapt and exploit the Mavericks’ weaknesses has been evident throughout the series.
Boston’s defense has been relentless, effectively neutralizing the Mavericks’ offensive threats. The Celtics’ depth allows them to maintain high levels of performance, even when key players are resting. This depth, combined with their defensive prowess, has made it nearly impossible for the Mavericks to find any consistent success.
The Mavericks need more time and development to compete at this level. Their inexperience and lack of depth have been exposed by a well-rounded and battle-tested Celtics team. While the Mavericks have shown flashes of brilliance, they are not yet ready to contend for a championship.
This series is done, and the Celtics are poised to win their 18th NBA title. Their dominance throughout the series has been clear, and it is only a matter of time before they clinch the championship and solidify their place as the most successful franchise in NBA history. The Mavericks, meanwhile, will need to regroup and build on this experience for future success.
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