Jason Kidd came to the defense of Luka Doncic ahead of Game 4 of the NBA Finals. He acknowledged the criticism that Doncic faced for his lackluster defensive performance and noted that Doncic has improved significantly as a defender. But fans and critics expect him to be a lockdown defender when he has never been one.
“When you look at today’s athlete, the game of sport is not to be perfect, it’s just to win. When you look at what’s come out here in the last day or so, if you’ve watched the Mavs, Luka has improved his defense. But some are asking him to be a shutdown defender.”
Kidd added that Luka has made 5 All-NBA first teams, which makes him a top-5 player in the NBA. He praised Doncic for playing the game the right way, but the bigger spotlight of the NBA Finals has opened him up to criticisms. Kidd concluded by saying Luka would improve greatly, and use this as a learning experience.
“He’s never been on an All-Defensive team, but he has been on 5 All-NBA teams, first teams. That means he’s one of the top five players in the world. And he’s playing the game the right way, he can find open guys. But when you’re on the biggest stage, there’s got to be, someone’s got to poke a hole. This will only make the great ones better… I truly believe Luka will come back stronger and better.”
(Till 1:05)
Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd spent an enormous part of his pregame presser defending Luka Doncic from what he calls "personal attacks."
Here's 3+ minutes of Kidd on Doncic and the media coverage he's received @CBSNewsTexas | @dallasmavs #NBAFinals #MFFL #OneForDallas pic.twitter.com/BgRxi65SjX
— Jett Beachum (@JetthroTV) June 14, 2024
Doncic was criticized heavily for his shoddy defense in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Luka even came out and apologized for his showing against the Celtics, claiming that he had let his teammates down. Doncic and the Mavericks need to regroup if they want to keep their hopes alive in this series.
Kyrie Irving Also Showed Support For Luka Doncic
Kyrie Irving spoke ahead of Game 4 yesterday and stuck up for his teammate Luka Doncic. Irving noted that he doesn’t have to suffer alone and that the entire team is behind him. He shared his own experience being under the spotlight, and how that criticism can affect players, and acknowledged the role social media can play.
“My message to him is just – he’s not alone in this. He’s played as best as he can, despite the circumstances, injuries, and stuff, he’s been giving it his all. So it’s not all on him. Being under the microscope in this business is a lot different for me now than four years ago or five years ago because I’m able to put the big picture of life in perspective and also the game in perspective. It comes easier.”
“I think that social media, sociopathic behavior… Any little thing you give your energy to can be a distraction that doesn’t positively reinforce what you’re trying to accomplish, so I think we’re learning that about each other right now, from not only us as players but also the coaching staff and everybody that’s been part of this journey thus far.”
In the NBA Finals, Doncic is averaging 29.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. Luka has shot 47.3% from the field and 32.1% from the three-point line. But his defense has been really poor, averaging a defensive rating of 110.3 in the NBA Finals so far.
Doncic is still confident that the Mavericks can overturn a 3-0 deficit, claiming that he and the Mavs overcame tough circumstances to make the playoffs as well. Being one game away from elimination makes Luka’s statement a little difficult to believe, but the series isn’t over as of yet.
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