Game 3: Doncic's Defensive Struggles Prove Costly for Mavericks
Luka Doncic fouled out of Game 3 with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter, a moment that epitomized his struggles in this series. The Mavericks were making a valiant comeback from being 21 points down when Doncic attempted to slide in front of Jaylen Brown to draw a charge. He didn’t get set in time, and the whistle blew. After a review, the call was upheld, and Doncic was out of the game with the Mavericks trailing by three. Dallas ultimately lost the game 106-99, putting the Celtics up 3-0 in the series.
Defensive Woes
Doncic's exit was just the latest episode in what has been a series marked by his defensive inadequacies. Ironically, he fouled out while trying to defend, which has been his major weakness throughout these playoffs. In Game 2, Doncic was "blown by" 13 times, the most by a single defender in the last 10 postseasons. His slow feet and weak lateral movement have been glaring issues, leaving the Mavericks often playing four against five on defense.
Doncic’s defensive shortcomings have allowed the Celtics to feast in the paint and generate open three-pointers. Kyrie Irving’s defensive struggles only compound the Mavericks' problems, making it difficult for Dallas to contain Boston's potent offense. Comparisons to James Harden’s historically poor defense are starting to feel apt, especially given instances where Doncic failed to guard sharpshooter Sam Hauser and exhibited a striking lack of defensive awareness.
A Stark Contrast
While Doncic has excelled offensively—often matching up well against Jayson Tatum—his defensive effort has been almost non-existent. This deficiency is particularly problematic in the playoffs, where every possession matters. Doncic appears more interested in waiting to play offense rather than putting in the necessary effort on defense. His lack of defensive commitment has been criticized as laughable and even detrimental, making life easier for Boston.
One could argue that an 80% healthy Doncic is better than most players, but his sternum injury is not an excuse for his lackluster defense. In the NBA Finals, Doncic’s defensive issues have been amplified, hampering the Mavericks' chances of competing effectively against the Celtics.
The Bigger Picture
Doncic’s deficiencies have forced other Mavericks players to cover for his lapses, often leading to multiple defenders converging on driving Celtics players like Jaylen Brown. Whether it's failed transition defense or lack of effort leading to open three-pointers for Boston, Doncic's defensive woes have had a cascading effect on the entire team.
It's important to note that the defensive gap between the Mavericks and the Celtics cannot be blamed solely on Doncic. The entire Dallas roster has struggled to keep up defensively, exposing the team’s false reputation as a defensive stalwart. Nevertheless, Doncic’s glaring deficiencies stand out, especially when compared to players like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic, who have managed to become competent defenders despite heavy offensive responsibilities.
A Call for Improvement
Doncic is undeniably a gifted offensive player. However, his defensive ineptitude is impossible to overlook, particularly in the playoffs. He’s not being asked to become an elite defender but to show modest improvement. The current lack of effort on defense has been a significant factor in the Mavericks' downfall this series.
Some observers argue that Doncic is better than other known defensive liabilities like Trae Young and Damian Lillard, but that comparison offers little solace. Doncic's defense remains a significant issue that Dallas will need to address moving forward. As one commentator put it, "You can go from a 10% to a 30% in chemistry class, but you're still a failing student."
For the Mavericks, the series is effectively over. Boston holds a commanding 3-0 lead, and it's hard to envision a scenario where Dallas can mount a comeback. Doncic’s lackluster defensive efforts have been a key factor, and they underscore the broader issues that have plagued the Mavericks throughout these playoffs. As the series progresses, Dallas will need to find answers, not just for Doncic’s defensive shortcomings but for their overall approach to the game.