Statements
On a night filled with drama and tension, Luka Doncic found himself fouled out of Game 3 with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. Doncic, whose defensive lapses have been a talking point throughout this series, fouled out while attempting to play defense. The Mavericks were staging a remarkable comeback from a 21-point deficit when Doncic attempted to slide in front of Jaylen Brown to draw a charge. Unfortunately, he failed to get set in time, and after a brief replay review, the call was upheld. Doncic was forced to leave the game, leaving the Mavericks trailing by three points.
The Mavericks eventually fell short, losing 106-99, giving the Boston Celtics a commanding 3-0 series lead. The call against Doncic was a close one, and many believed it could have been overturned. Nonetheless, his defensive effort, or lack thereof, has been a significant factor in the Mavericks' struggles this series.
Defensive Struggles
Doncic’s defensive inadequacies have been glaring. Despite his offensive brilliance, his defensive performances have been less than stellar. He has been "blown by" a staggering 13 times in Game 2 alone, the highest number for any defender in the last ten postseasons. His slow feet and weak lateral movement have been a detriment to his team.
It's ironic that Doncic fouled out while defending, given his struggles on that end of the court. Throughout the series, Doncic has been outplayed defensively by Jayson Tatum, who has shown considerable effort on both ends. In contrast, Doncic seems more interested in saving his energy for the offensive end, often appearing disengaged on defense.
A Series of Lapses
Doncic’s defensive performance has been described as laughable by some analysts. His sternum injury is not considered a valid excuse for his poor defense, especially given that he has never been known as a good defender. Any perceived improvements in his defense have been exaggerated by his supporters. This series has exposed Doncic as a defensive liability, forcing the Mavericks to effectively play four against five on that end of the court.
The Celtics have exploited Doncic’s deficiencies, living in the paint and generating open three-pointers. To make matters worse, Kyrie Irving is also not known for his defensive prowess, compounding the Mavericks’ problems. Doncic's defensive efforts have even been compared to those of James Harden during his worst moments.
A Comedy of Errors
In one particularly egregious instance, Doncic failed to guard sharpshooter Sam Hauser, pointing in the opposite direction in a display of poor awareness. He also failed to be in position to help when Brown rejected a screen multiple times, offering little more than bumbling shuffles before giving up entirely. Multiple Mavericks had to scramble to cover for Doncic’s breakdowns.
Transition defense has been another area where Doncic has faltered. Instead of hustling back, he often stays on the ground, complaining to referees while the Celtics walk into another open three-pointer. These lapses in effort and awareness have left the Mavericks outclassed by a wide margin.
A Collective Failure
While Doncic’s defensive struggles have been magnified, the Mavericks' issues can't be blamed solely on him. No one on the team has been able to keep up with the Celtics. The Mavericks' reputation as a defensive team now appears to have been a mirage. Nevertheless, Doncic's offensive talents are undeniable, but his defensive ineptitude in this series is more pronounced than ever.
A Call for Improvement
It's clear that Doncic is not being asked to become an elite defender, just to show modest improvement. Players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic have evolved into competent defenders despite their enormous offensive responsibilities. In contrast, players like Trae Young and Damian Lillard have long been defensive liabilities, yet Doncic is considered better than both.
However, Doncic's lack of defensive effort has been a significant factor in this series, and it is impossible to overlook, especially in the playoffs. The Mavericks now face the grim prospect of an imminent series defeat and must confront the reality that the series is effectively over for them.
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."